You are in Control
Forget the past - it is a distraction. Erase it from your memory. Make good memories today.
Stop allowing your mind to be a slave, to be jerked about by selfish impulses, to kick against fate and the present, and to mistrust the future. ~Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 2:2
It is in your control not to let your mind be distracted from the most important things, not to be ruled by impulses that threaten your values, and to manage the events that come into your life.
If it concerns you (your mind, body, thoughts, decisions, choices, and actions), you are in control.
Distractions
Distractions are everywhere and can distract you from the most important things in your life. What's most important? Developing your character, being good to yourself, and focusing on your core virtues and limitless qualities.
Distractions come in many forms. I might be dealing with worry, fear, anxiety, stress, and pressure - most of which are out of my control. Yet I let these steer me out of my routine, interrupt my sleep, disrupt my appetite, diminish my relationships, and rob me of my leisure time.
Impulses
Your impulses are driven by things you want or are trying to avoid. Attraction and aversion lead us to make decisions we often regret. Stop and break down your choices.
You aren't some dog on a leash going for your morning walk. You aren't a horse with a bit and bridle being led this way and that.
Time is short, and you can't beat time or fate. The risks are too significant, and the consequences too specific. The present is staring you right in the face.
Forget the past - it is a distraction. Erase it from your memory. Stop reliving it (especially the pain) because you can't do anything to change it one way or another. It's torture to try.
The lost job. Let it go. The lost love. Let it go. The failed venture. Let it go.
The hurtful words. The missed opportunities. The bad choices. The things you should have said or done but didn't... let them all go.
Let your past go. Whatever it is, let it go.
You control today. Right here. You control this moment. Right now.
Change your future by making the best choices for you today. Start with a laugh and a smile. Better yet, make someone else laugh and smile today—simple stuff.
You are in control.
The present is your future's past, so you can guarantee positive memories by controlling your choices today.
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~ Steve
