Whether we think more about the past or the future depends on what’s happening in our lives at the time. Reconnecting with an old relative earlier this year made me nostalgic. Also, becoming very ill made me reflective because I realized how fragile life is.
Seeing an old friend or relative that you haven’t seen in years is a perfect example. Conversations can unlock years of shared history—inside jokes, old routines, moments you didn’t realize would become “the good old days.” You also become aware of lost time when you notice how much older you both look. You start thinking about how long it’s been, how life got busy, how easy it was to assume there would always be more chances. That reflection, of course, gets you thinking that you’d better be more proactive with staying in touch, or finding a chance to visit each other again. Because maybe next time there won’t be a next time.
Illness has a similar effect. Being sick forces you to slow down, and then you realize how much of your daily routine you miss. You can’t eat your favorite food. You missed the party you had been planning to attend for weeks. At the same time, it makes the future more precious. You start making mental notes to eat better, not to wait so long before you visit your friend, and not to postpone visiting your grandparents.
In moments like these, the past and future collide. The past reminds us of what mattered. The future becomes a space for second chances and better choices.
Ultimately, when we think about the past, we realize what we value; when we think about the future, we realize what’s important.
Vanya Wryter Consulting Services 
Good that you are feeling better. I like that you write the past is a memory of what mattered and the future allows for more informed and better choices.
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Thanks for reading! Hopefully the future will have better choices for sure!
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Sharing the hope for better choices!
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You have written very well. Your words touched my heart. You are strong at heart and your future will be good. There is truth in what you say. Not everyone can write like you, dear. 🥀
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Thank you so much for your kind words! Hope you have a great week ahead!
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As an old person (76) I’ll say this: The future is scary, uncertain. the present stinks. The past I’m very fond of “the good old days”. I love talking about them. However, the present demands action. So I prioritize–what MUST I do now? And, I wonder? How did I get here? What happened? The past has clues. Is it my doing? Or is there a “higher power” at work?
I hope you feel better. Being sick sucks.
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I’m better now, thanks! Focusing on the present, and like you said, the future is scary!
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Yes the future is quiet scary we don’t know what will happen and how will we manage to handle the situation. All we can do is just hope and bless for a happy life
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Definitely! We can stay positive and hope for the best!
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Don’t just think take action as well if you want to settle your future
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Yes, taking action is important!
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Some of us have a longer past than a longer future, based more on age than health.
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This is very true!
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“when we think about the past, we realize what we value; when we think about the future, we realize what’s important.” so true. I find myself thinking more about the future than anything else but this year I want to be more present and focus on the now.
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Not sure if it’s like your plan – I’m focusing on the short term future which is a bit like now.
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Yeah, that’s sort of like focusing on the now.
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Interesting read.
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Thanks for reading!
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