Changing the calendar from July 31 to August 1 represents a shift in our thoughts about the season of summer. That dateline moves us closer to the beginning of fall. We are heading in the direction of letting go of this beautiful warm summer, even with its rainy humid days. We still long to bask in the warm breezes, sit and enjoy the warmth of the sun, and enjoy the fragrance of sweet flowers in our yards.

It’s a challenge to let go of these things and to think about the prospects of windy, chilly days, including the bright-colored changing of the leaves. It’s easy to hang on to these “good old summer days” and not think too succinctly about the future season. Funny thing, we often do this with our past; we don’t want to let go; we would rather stay in the past and memorialize our selective memories, perhaps even embellishing them a little. The future can be daunting, uncertain with all of its relative questions about what is awaiting us and how we will manage.

In reality, all we have is today and this very real present moment. That is where we need to be; that is where our mission today is. That is where we need to be to best accomplish living well, finding JOY, and ensuring our success for all the tomorrows to come.

Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh, says it well: “Life is available only in the present moment”.