by Lori Deschene

“A man is not old until regrets take the place of his dreams.” ~Proverb

The time you backpacked through Europe–when you felt you had the ultimate in adventure and freedom.  Summer night barbecues with friends and family–when you felt young, energetic, and loved.  Weekends spent camping and hiking – when you didn’t have family commitments or overtime.

At some point, we all pile up a stack of yesterdays that, in hindsight, look like utopia.  Memories of friends, family, and well-worn habits as soothing as our favorite comfort foods.  Days when things were easier, simpler, or more exciting.

No matter how perfect the past can look when you leave a time you loved, it likely wasn’t perfect when you experienced it.  You may even think that occasionally – that you didn’t realize back then how good you had it.  That you’d enjoy it more if you could go back. Appreciate it more fully.  Take better advantages of the opportunities it presented.  If only you could back.

There’s a simple reason people often don’t realize what they have when they have it: it’s easier to live in the past and future than it is to live in the present.  It’s easier to analyze and judge life as you experience it, than to accept life will never be perfect, and still live it gratefully and mindfully.

It’s easier to imagine some other time is better–any time other than now.  We often realize all too late now is all there ever is.

Instead of idealizing a different time, learn from your interpretation of it.  What is it you really want to recreate?  What in your life would you like to eliminate?  What do you wish you were doing that you’re not, because you’re scared to leave your comfort zone or you’re convinced it’s too late to start?

You can’t go back and live in that time when you felt adventurous, peaceful, or free, but you can use the knowledge of what made you feel happy and alive to make today meaningful for you.

You can inject a sense of adventure into a routine that’s lost all spontaneity by trying new things more often.  You can feel connected by widening your social circle, and initiating activities you enjoy.  You can access that feeling of freedom – even with your current responsibilities – by saying no more often, and allowing yourself enough time to explore the things that make you happy.

You can’t always relive experiences exactly as they occurred in the past, but, when you think about it, is that really a bad thing?  You’ve already done that, and there’s a world of unique experiences ahead of you.  New opportunities.  New adventures.  New possibilities – if only you open yourself up to them.

This moment is the perfect opportunity to be the joy you’ve been recalling.

Do happy. It’s something you’re due.

This post is republished with permission.  Find more of Lori Deschene’s writing at tinybuddha.com. Read the original post here