Are we preparing Future at the cost of Present?

In this temporary and short life, we work hard to make our future bright. However, deny living in the present. The question is; do we get a future that we anticipate? You can find that answer in your parent’s life as well.

Ask any parent in their 30s or 40s, if they are satisfied with their life. See if they are really enjoying their life every day. Certainly, the answer you will find that they are preparing for their future and children’s career. Therefore, they did not have time to think much about themselves today.

“Unease, anxiety, tension, stress, worry – all forms of fear – are caused by too much future, and not enough presence. Guilt, regret, resentment, grievances, sadness, bitterness, and all forms of non-forgiveness are caused by too much past, and not enough presence.” ~ Eckhart Tolle

Often we prepare our future at the cost of present and that future never comes.

How we prepare for our future?

We all know the importance of money and therefore do anything to save a lot of it for the future. The sad thing is that most of the time we do it at the cost of today. Here is how:

Recently, when I was travelling Delhi metro, I saw an advertisement for a highly recognized hospital in that city. The poster listed various services they offer along with their high rates. I was thinking that whatever we are saving today we are saving for them.

Do not you think so?

Pick up any family member and think about their health today. Everyone seems to have some health issue. Most of them fell ill now and then. There will be sleep problem with someone. Some might have suffering from depression while some from diabetes. Some has low/high blood pressure while some are suffering from heart diseases.

All of these diseases have become so common today because of our lifestyle. Because we are professionals and work is worship for us, we have no time for real self.

We do not have time to cook healthy food, so rely on fast food. There is no time to do morning exercise or meditation. We sit in our offices whole day without doing any heavy physical activity. Then, we sit so long in front of the TV but do not have time to think about ourselves.

Even if our health seems fine, we do not live in present and therefore do not seem to be happy. I believe that if you are not enjoying your life, you are not living your life. That is also a common disease today. It means that you are simply passing your present and hoping (actually worrying) for a better future.

“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.” ~ Buddha

What do you think we are doing today actually?

Actually, we are doing two things at the same time. We are preparing our body to suffer in the future and preparing money for its treatment as well. Is not it funny?

How we prepare for our children?

As per most of the parents, they have dedicated their life for their children’s education and career. They made sacrifices with their life to ensure that their children have a better future. The intension is very good indeed. However, let us have a look at the life cycle.

After a good education, youngster enters into a good job. Now as he stands at his feet and parents expect that their child will do the same for them. A child just started enjoying his life and wanted to do many things for him and his family also. Even, he will be able to do it for couple of years.

At the same time, he is entering in the same stage. He is getting married. Now he will have children and more responsibilities. Money never seems to be enough to afford all expenses. He compromise with his health and dreams, all for their children and a secure future.

He dedicates rest of his life doing for them with the expectation that one day they will fulfil their dreams. And here is how parent’s dreams forced on the children (That is kind of different topic). However, now you might have a sense that how this cycle continues.

“True happiness is… to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future.” ~ Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Everyone thinks that he has lived his life for others. Then who lives his life actually. It is better to live your own life well first and others will do the same automatically.

Future preparation never comes to end:

If we keep money on the top of everything, we are never going to be satisfied.

You think that once you earn enough for future, you will start enjoying your life. This is never going to happen. Go to any rich man and ask if he is satisfied with current financial state? He wants more and more money.

What you or your parents earning today, was your dream income at once. Are you satisfied with that today? Often we work more on money than happiness/health etc and then use that money to restore our health later on.  Where is life then?

Taking care of the present first:

Let us focus on the present. Do you make the same effort to enjoy today as much as to secure your future. Today, you are younger than tomorrow. What you can enjoy today, you might not tomorrow.  As Jim Rohn said, “Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present.”

Do you take care of your health, family and values today? Today we teach our children how to make money. However, we do not teach how to manage things and live happily.

We are collecting/saving money for future to have doctor/medical for our diseases. However, what we are doing to maintain our health today. Do you avoid too much food on parties? Do you exercise regularly for body? Do you meditate for the peace of mind? Why do not we simply take care of ourselves at the first place?

There is nothing wrong in making money but let us not make our happiness depend on it. That way you will keep waiting. Happiness is not about how much you have but how you enjoy with what you have. No matter how much money you accumulate for your children, if you have not taught them to manage it, it will all get lost.

Do not compromise your own happiness for the sake of your children or future. If you really want to do something for your kids, make them learn how to deal with life challenges. Do not over protect them. Just give them a foundation, set them free and let them shine.

Do not just make your living here. God has sent each of us on the earth to live our life well. Enjoy every moment. Think, how you would like to live today, so that there would be no regret tomorrow.

“Stop acting as if life is a rehearsal. Live this day as if it were your last. The past is over and gone. The future is not guaranteed.” ~ Wayne Dyer