This afternoon a friend came to our apartment. The reason he had visited was to help take a picture of me for The Latest. We spent several hours trying to accomplish the task, but what came of our efforts far surpasses why he was here. This was an opportunity for me to learn something about living, and after we did what we had set out to do, he and I had an important discussion which can hopefully change the direction of my life.

One of the problems I face is a predisposition to worry too much about whether something I do may be a mistake, and possibly cause me discomfort. In light of this bad habit, I waste too much of the valuable time that I have been fortunately given by life. Why feel scared about something that hasn't taken place?

As a woman who is late in her years, time wasted is time that should be used productively. Writing is one of the things that I do that gives me great pleasure, so why do I devote so much of my day concerned about what might happen. That is my reason for writing the thoughts that I feel compelled to share this afternoon.

His advice was indescribably meaningful, and as I listened, the information he offered opened my eyes and touched my heart. Thankfully, I am still able to listen and try to learn. This friend has learned a secret that many like me may conceivably find beneficial. To quote him, "Live in the now." Don't dwell on the maybes. Just spend your time doing those things that help to keep you in touch with how wonderful life can be. If you spend your days in activities that make the fear disappear, they put you in the now where you belong.

I am not suggesting here that my efforts will always be successful, but I can recognize the truth when I hear it. Depression and anxiety don't serve any useful purpose. The past is history and the future is undetermined. We can't predict what may happen, but we have the power to think positively about what the future can offer. This is the secret of living in the now.

Why not ask yourself what you plan to do tomorrow? If it's something that can be fun to do, isn't that a better choice than worrying about what uncomfortable things tomorrow may bring? Why shouldn't I consider suggesting that my husband and I go out for brunch at a casino tomorrow, in lieu of worrying about whether I should have joined our friend in a cup of coffee that may have upset my gut?

The coffee tasted wonderful, and that must take precedence over concerns about pains that haven't taken place. At the moment, feeling grateful and writing a message that I hope others may read and potentially find significant has put me in the now. This is where I should try to stay every day.