Elizabeth George
“Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.” ~ Will Rogers
“Yesterday” can be a source of beautiful memories of cherished people in your life, wonderful experiences, and joy. It can also be the source of feelings that limit you in your life today.
We hold onto yesterday as an excuse for why we haven’t accomplished something, pointing to failures, harsh criticism from others, humiliation, self-doubt and more. We cram hurt feelings way down deep inside that squash our self-esteem, make us shy away from opening ourselves to love, trust, and putting ourselves out there once again to try something new.
I think we all have a bucketload of these yesterdays that we need to shed in order to live our present lives to the fullest. I’m suggesting that we all dig deep, look at these things, realizing that yesterday cannot be changed. We can build a stronger, fuller happier TODAY by letting all of that go.
This really speaks to me now. My life has changed completely since last February when I died twice in the hospital and was given a second chance via surgeons and a pacemaker when my heart stopped. I had never had heart problems before, but would have been gone if I hadn’t heeded the strong recommendation that I head for the ER after I saw my clinic doctor.
Our son flew 24 hours from Thailand to take care of my husband and me when we were suddenly too ill to take care of each other. We had to face some harsh realities in Arkansas, where we had lived for almost 40 years. We couldn’t take care of our home, 8 acres, and our pets anymore. We made the decision to get rid of everything in the States and move to Thailand to be close to our son. We would retire, rebuild our health, shed the responsibilities we had been shouldering, and concentrate on enjoying life. Leaving 40 years worth of my art and our ‘stuff’ was one of the hardest things we’ve ever done. Re-homing our pets was the hardest, but we found the perfect homes for our dog and cat, and so could leave knowing they would be loved and well taken care of.
2 weeks after we moved here, my husband fell and had a stroke. He is now in a nursing home, completely disabled with a damaged brain. Unless we have a miracle, he won’t be able to leave the nursing home. Thankfully, we have found a truly wonderful place with caring people. We visit my husband 3 times a week now, rather than sharing the retirement we planned.
I am in a new country, living by myself for the first time in my life, trying to learn some Thai phrases, learn about the money, learn the customs here, learn how to get the basics done, grateful that our son is here to help both of us.
I am learning to embrace TODAY. Yesterday is full of some wonderful memories, but NOW is what is important. What used to be doesn’t apply. I have some wonderful opportunities to shape a life that makes me smile all day long, moving from one fun activity to the next, learning new things every day, rebuilding my health.
http://www.powerofpositivity.com
I am concentrating on living my life to the fullest, making each day count, concentrating on what is WONDERFUL about my life now, grateful for all I have.
Yesterday is gone. I don’t make ‘plans’ anymore, embracing NOW. I am feeling stronger for it, concentrating on being the best person I can be TODAY.
creativeartworksblog 
What an inspiration you are to me! Change is hard and being in the now is also challenging and you do both so magnificently! Of course, the letting go of 40 years of life wasn’t easy and I am not sure I could have done that, but you managed to let go and move on to this incredible life you are creating a moment at a time. Thank you for sharing!
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Thanks so much for your nice comment, Linda. I truly appreciate it.
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I believe your creative spirit is the fuel for your resilience. Thank you for encouraging me.
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thanks so much, Linda. We can inspire each other!
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You really are an inspiration. I look forward to reading your blog entries every day. Xxx
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wow. you really made my day. Thanks so much!
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I love how you make the most out of your past by allowing it to reframe your NOW, Linda. Almost everything you have been through informs how much better you are living today. I know you would rather that Harvey not had a stroke, but you and Brian found the best care for him, and that’s what matters.
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Thank you, Sheila, for the encouragement. We go to meet Harvey’s main doctor, with Harvey and his nurse, this morning. We’re hoping they will allow the nasal feeding tube to be removed. Fingers crossed.
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Yes, fingers crossed!
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Thank you!😊
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Linda..thank you for sharing your experience & thoughts. You are in a good place w/ a loving son to help you. My husband & I really enjoyed our visit to Chang Mai & hope you will be able to take one of the tours to the craft portion of the city. Might have to take a Grab to one of the big hotels to catch a tour group. The furniture makers, silk from mulberry leaves to the spinning & dying, the umbrella makers, & the lace makers all fabulous. I still use my gorgeous lace collar & cuffs I had made there! Will make your heart sing 🎶 to see & observe! Thank you again & stay on the healthy course. I love 💗 Thai food. I just get the mild, whimsy items. Carol J
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Thank you for writing, Carol. I’m getting to see bits and pieces of the artistry here. The glimpses of the umbrella festival recently were gorgeous. I love it that they are consciously keeping the old ways alive, honoring the uniqueness of making the umbrellas from scratch, hand- makinng batik designs on cloth, hand-crocheting hats and carriers, and SO much more. I’m slowly enjoying the food, having to watch out for the spicy, but we enjoyed a Vietnamese beef soup with noodles and veggies last night that was to die for! I’m so glad you got to come here and take home memories that make you smile today. :0)
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You are such an inspiration with your upbeat, can-do attitude and wisdom. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your story. (Donna)
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Thanks for your kind words, Donna. We are all in this world together, and it is good we can inspire each other, isn’t it?
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