I almost didn’t post this quote today. I couldn’t decide if I liked or not. If I agreed with it or not.
And then, while I was talking with my husband about what Epicurus meant, I distilled the quote down to one word: Now.
Good ol’ Epicurus was reminding people to live in the now — not wasting today by focusing on tomorrow. And while I’m at it, don’t waste today by focusing on what somebody else is enjoying today — and then fuss that I don’t have the same thing.
My struggle with the quote — the reason I debated on posting it? We always need to be hoping for something … dreaming for something … reaching for the stars … extending our grasp … going for more …
Ah, tricky, isn’t it?
In Your Words: What’s now look like for you? What hopes have come true? And what are you hoping for?
And if I haven’t said it recently, thank you for joining the conversation. That’s why I started the blog … to get a conversation started — and then to get out of the way.
Comments 27
Now looks like a little more work before bed (and surfing around for a little inspiration).
🙂
I’ve experienced that kind of now.
I think the quote could work for me if it began like this: ” Do not spoil what you have by spending too much time desiring what you have not. . .” Hoping (or dreaming) is important. That’s what keeps us striving. However, if we’re so consumed by our dreams that we cease to enjoy what we’ve achieved and are no longer having fun on our journeys, we could be in need of a refocus.
Well said, Keli.
Yes, I agree. Holding our dreams whilst also enjoying the present is a skill that takes practice, I think. I find it tricky to teach my children – strive for the stars, but wholeheartedly embrace your now. Good food for thought, Beth 🙂
Also a good point, Susannah. What, exactly, are we teaching our children?
Oh, I like Keli’s take on the quote. I believe we all need to hope and work toward that hope. That said, it’s God who fulfills the hope within us.
Thanks for that truth-reminder, Pat.
When I read that quote, the first word that came to mind was contentment. I’m all for dreaming big and having goals to make those dreams happen, but I read that quote as not to wish away what we have or to want what someone else has. We need to be content with what we have today. And there is truth behind the last part. I remember dreaming of being where I am today.
Oh, contentment! Good one, LJ!
That is definitely an interesting quote and I agree with Lisa that it evokes the thought of contentment.
SO many of my hopes have come true. Family, home, publishing…but I still have lovely dreams of more. 🙂
😉
Ah, so nice, isn’t it, Jessica?
Yeah, I think it’s about pining so much for things we don’t have we lose the beauty of the now.
I’m starting to be in awe of the idea that I get to write every day and do what I love. So few can say that. That’s huge!
~ Wendy
It is huge, Wendy. That realization has brought me to tears.
Oooh, I like Keli’s rewrite, too.
I actually think sometimes we don’t hope big enough…or, we have big hopes and dreams, but they’re very narrowly focused and might keep us from seeing the wider realm of already fulfilled hopes around us. I don’t think that made any sense. But what I’m trying to say is, it’s easy to, like Wendy said, pine for something I don’t have, something very specific, but then forget the bigger hope–the hope of eternity, of an eternal purpose, of a plan for my life that’s huger and better than anything I can dream up.
Love how you got us all thinking with this one, Beth!
Ah, the eternal hope … sometimes we do lose sight of that one, don’t we?
Like others, I both agree and disagree. 🙂
Too often I live in the future or the past, not the present. But if I were to die tonight, would I be sad that I spent my entire day thinking about tomorrow? Worrying about tomorrow? Wishing I had more, tomorrow? Yeah, I think I would. Instead, I’d want to live for today. What can I get done today, who can I hug today, what blessings can I thank God for today…?
But I also agree that we need to have hope for the things to come. We just can’t fixate on them.
Excellent perspective, Lindsay. Well said.
What a fabulous quote! Of course we are always dreaming, but even Paul said, “I find in whatever state I am, therewith to be content.” When we are content it doesn’t mean we don’t work to achieve more. After this he says later, “I strive for the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Now, for me means being happy in the tasks that God has set before me in the place that God has given me with the people God blessed me with. The dream is still there…The dream giver is the focus…at least that is what I try to keep focused on.
Lot of wisdom, Michelle.
Excellent quote, Beth. I always have to remind myself to live now!
Thank you for sharing and you do a great job on your blog, btw!
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That’s a great point, Beth. It is tricky. I need, want, love having things to look forward to, however, I’m happier when I live now and do what is right in front of me instead of saying “if only.” I think gratitude is the answer. Be grateful for what I have, yet keep dreaming and look forward to more.
I love your posts. They make me think.
Another great one-word twist on this quote: Gratitude.
Love you, Kim!
Now means hope to me. Now means being happy again. Now gives me the joy in dreaming of my future. I try to live in today while dreaming of the next days. I think that’s possible:)
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