If there is one thing I have noticed about life it is that life does not really teach you lessons in a way. Life is more like you live through something then later you sit down and realize what life actually meant. Times that realization comes when you cannot go back and change anything anymore.
That is the irony of life.
I mean why are the things we ignore easily today the same things we later wish we handled better? It is like life gives us things in advance but without the understanding to value life properly. Take time for example. Not in a deep way just normal everyday time. There are moments you rush through days you do not pay attention to conversations you do not fully engage in. At that point it feels normal nothing.. Later maybe months or years after you find yourself remembering those same moments and wishing you had been more present. It is crazy when you think about life. I feel like people do not value things early because they are always looking for something bigger something more exciting more important more meaningful. So the small things start to feel ordinary almost invisible. Meanwhile those small things are actually the foundation of life.
Even relationships are like that. Sometimes you assume people will always be there so you do not really go the mile not because you are a bad person but because you feel comfortable. Then life happens people change, situations shift and suddenly you realize that what you had was actually something and that realization always comes with that small pinch of regret. Now when it comes to balancing the future and the present I feel like that is where most people struggle, including me. Because how do you plan your life. Still enjoy where you are at the same time?
It is not easy.
Sometimes you are so focused on where you're going that where you are starts to feel like a waiting room like you are just passing through not really living. You tell yourself "I will rest later " "I will enjoy later " "I will be happy when things are better.". Then that "later" just keeps moving forward. One thing I am slowly learning is that life is not divided into "struggling phase" and "enjoyment phase." Life and its struggles actually happen together. In the middle of trying to figure things out there are still moments that deserve to be felt and appreciated. It could be something small as laughing with someone having peace for a moment or even just feeling okay in your own space. Those things matter, even if they do not look like achievements.
I think the real balance comes from being intentional. Yes plan your future set your goals think ahead.. At the same time do not disconnect from your present life. Do not treat your moment like it is not important because one day it will be a memory.. The truth is, life does not always give you a second chance to relive moments the right way. So of waiting to "arrive" before you start valuing things maybe the real lesson is to start now appreciate life while it is still normal, still available still, within reach. Because the irony of life is not just that we lose things it is that we understand the value of life right after we lose it and honestly that is the part that hits the most.
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