One moment to the next

Every time I hear an interview by NFL players and coaches, they seem very focused on playing the next game.  When they are asked about any other question than the opponent who is next, they defer the answer to a time when the question might be more relevant.  In the early part of the season, if asked about how their record will turn out, they never make predictions but say only that the next game matters.  If asked near the end of the season how they feel about the remaining few games, they reply that only the next game matters.  If asked about their superbowl chances, they say there will be no chances if they don't take care of the opponents to n the next game.  They go through the entire season game to game to game.

That's not a bad way to lead life.  In fact, motivators who give speeches often talk about how to create winning habits.  They tell people to live each day with the habit they want to create.  After a period of time, the deed or deeds they have been doing one day at a time become habits.  Recovery programs don't ask people to change their lives, they ask them to live only one day at a time.  Be clean only one day.  Addiction-free days will string themselves together if each day is lived separately.

I know that enjoying the moment is important as is living in the moment.  I know that plans come to fruition when the steps to fulfill them are taken singly and consistently.  I know that a journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step and the decision to move forward is the will to take another step, then another until the journey has been completed.

Regret is less likely to happen when life is lived in this way.  But, regret happens because no one can see where the steps lead exactly.  By the time one realizes what has taken place, it is too late - too many steps have been taken to go back.  Too many days have passed to make a U-turn.

But, I believe in U-turns and return steps.  They take a little time.  Restoration is nice, though.