Past present future me

We have three selves. And how we treat them is how we thrive in peace, or don’t.

I’m harsh with my past self. I carry the lessons from past failures and mistakes way too long. I tend to self-flagellate. Never again, I say. But it’s already over.

I’m distracted with my present self. Not always aware that the present moment is all we have. Not always clear what I need to do.

I’m overly idealistic about my future self. I tend to set massive, ambitious goals, build up a huge ball of expectation, only to get rolled over by said expectations when it doesn’t happen within an arbitrary timeframe I set. I overestimate my future self.

That’s why this Clearly resonated (lol) when I read it today:

“Be forgiving with your past self. What’s done is done. Take the lessons with you and release the guilt.
Be strict with your present self. Win the moment in front of you right now.
Be flexible with your future self. There are many paths to success. You don’t need life to be a certain way to live well.”
– James Clear

This is the way, to be at peace, to ship calmly, to win quietly, and enjoy live deeply.

Past present future, all aligned and in sync, as one.

Past present future me.