“Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift.
That is why they call it ‘the present.’” – Unknown
 |
| Photo by Rick Hustead |
My
grandfather liked to quote the above saying from time to time, but I never
really understood the true meaning of that sentiment until I became an adult. Even
now it can still sometimes be tough to find a positive aspect to a difficult or
challenging situation after the fact, let alone at the time it is going on. However,
it is this ability to see the “bright side” or even find a hidden blessing in
misfortune that increases our courage, fortitude and ability to handle or even
avoid a similar situation in the future.
Hypnosis Motivation Institute founder John Kappas, Ph.D. often advised people to “turn it around!” when they were faced with an uncomfortable or difficult situation. Rather
than focus on the unpleasant details or challenges you might be experiencing at
the moment, look for a positive aspect/redeeming quality or lesson that could
be learned from it. If you have a misunderstanding with a family member or even
a colleague at work, consider what circumstances led up to the argument.
Perhaps you or the other person misunderstood the meaning or intent behind
something that was said. The lesson or “gift” of that experience would be that in
the future, you would be more thoughtful and careful about what and how you
communicated a thought or idea. You would also understand that it might be
prudent to ask questions and clarify the meaning of what you believe you heard
or saw before making any judgment about an incident.
But
the greatest benefit of considering the present as a true gift is that you can
approach each new day and situation with appreciation for the opportunities,
wisdom and pleasure the experience can offer. The subconscious mind may try to challenge
this more carefree, appreciative perspective about the unknown with cautionary
memories about a similar situation that may not have worked out. You may even experience
uncomfortable physiological symptoms of anxiety that are further exacerbated by
a sudden drop in blood-sugar level if
you happen to be hungry at the time. But this reaction is merely the
subconscious mind’s reference to a previous subconscious
mental script that likes and wants to attach old meanings to a
new experience. No matter how many similarities exist between those experiences
to make the outcome somewhat predictable, each one is inherently unique and
therefore deserves to be enjoyed and appreciated for what it is: A gift.
Sara R. Fogan, C.Ht. is a certified
hypnotherapist based in Southern California. She graduated with honors
from the Hypnosis Motivation
Institute in 2005. For more
information about Calminsense Hypnotherapy® and to set up an
appointment, please visit http://www.calminsensehypnotherapy.com/.
© 2016
