Night has fallen again. And like most nights, I have a period of clear thought. Many of my days are spent in a haze that only clears up late in the day. The fading of daylight usually has a sobering, often calming effect on me.

Some nights I am able to reflect. Others I can simply be. Nights can bring on feelings of sadness and loneliness, but I have learned to appreciate these things too.

One thing I have been musing about is the future. One can spend a lifetime worrying or dreaming about it. My own outlook on the future has often been bleak. I often feel that I do not fit in this world, or that I am unsuccessful or somehow “not enough.” My thoughts about the future are mostly about all of the pain that lies ahead of me. This perspective can lead to feelings of hopelessness, hurting my will to live. Worries and premonitions are in no way helpful to me.

That is not to say that thinking about my future is a bad thing. The road ahead gives reason for hope. There are so many good things in store for me and everyone else around me.

When all is said and done, staying present is what works best for me. “Today is a gift, that’s why the call it the present.”

Pardon the cheesy line. Be well.