Embracing Tomorrow: Why the Best Is Yet to Come

In a world that often clings to nostalgia, it takes courage to believe that the future holds greater promise than the past. This belief isn’t mere wishful thinking—it’s a thread woven through parables, philosophies, and proverbs across cultures. From classical Stoicism to modern motivational voices, thinkers have reminded us that hope is not passive; it’s an active force that shapes our destiny.

The Power of Present Actions

“The power for creating a better future is contained in the present moment: you create a good future by creating a good present.” 0 This insight from BrainyQuote reminds us that every choice today writes the first line of tomorrow’s story, urging a mindful engagement with the here and now.

Marcus Aurelius, a Stoic emperor, echoed this centuries ago: “Every man's life lies within the present; for the past is spent and done with, and the future is uncertain.” 1 By anchoring our attention in current action, we liberate ourselves from regret and fear, planting seeds of progress.

Parable: The Farmer and the Seed

A simple parable tells of a farmer who, despite a poor harvest the year before, scattered seeds with confidence. Villagers scoffed, recalling the barren fields of the past. But when autumn arrived, lush crops emerged—proof that faith in new beginnings can override the shadows of history.

Lessons from Ancient Wisdom

Across continents, proverbs capture this ethos:

• “The past is a closed door, the present is an open one, and the future is an approaching one.” 2
• “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” — C.S. Lewis 3
• “I like dreams of the future better than the history of the past.” — Thomas Jefferson 4
• “Don’t mourn over the past; it has no pity for you. Don’t cry over the present; it has no sympathy for you, and don’t weep over the future; it has no mercy on you.” 5
• “Optimism is a strategy for making a better future. Because unless you believe that the future can be better, you are unlikely to step up and make it so.” 6

Modern Reflections

Contemporary writers and speakers continue this tradition. Matshona Dhliwayo reminds us, “The past is kind enough to give you lessons. The present is kind enough to give you opportunities. The future is kind enough to give you both.” 7 Across platforms like Medium, this sentiment resonates with millions seeking encouragement to move forward.

Similarly, futurists emphasize self-efficacy: “Virtually every successful person starts with two core beliefs: the future can be better than the present, and I have the power to make it so!” 8 This dual conviction—hope plus agency—is the engine of personal and societal transformation.

Philosophies in Practice

How do we translate such philosophies into daily routines? Start with small, deliberate acts:

• Set micro-goals each morning, celebrating progress rather than perfection.
• Maintain a gratitude journal to highlight positive developments.
• Embrace “beginner’s mind” by learning one new thing weekly, shunning complacency.

These practices mirror the wisdom of “Past is experience, present is experiment, future is expectation.” 9 Such a mindset transforms challenges into laboratories for growth.

Stories of Renewal

Real-life narratives reinforce the theme. After near bankruptcy, Colonel Sanders franchised Kentucky Fried Chicken at age 65—an exemplar of late-blooming success. More recently, communities devastated by natural disasters have rebuilt stronger infrastructures, prioritizing resilience over restoration of the old order.

These stories echo a common moral: what is gone need not dictate what is coming. Through cooperation, creativity, and courage, people forge brighter chapters from the ashes of hardship.

Parable: The Two Wolves

An elder tells a young warrior, “Inside you, there are two wolves fighting: one of fear and one of hope.” When asked which wolf wins, the elder replies, “The one you feed.” This Cherokee parable illustrates that nurturing optimistic thoughts yields a richer future than dwelling on negative memories.

Quotes for Difficult Times

• “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” — Winston Churchill 10
• “Worrying doesn’t take away tomorrow’s troubles; it takes away today’s peace.” — Randy Armstrong 11
• “You cannot suffer the past or future because they do not exist. What you are suffering is your memory and your imagination.” — Sadhguru 12

Applying the Wisdom

Combat fear by rehearsing success scenarios: athletes visualize victories before contests; entrepreneurs draft business plans before launching. Such mental modeling primes the mind to seek possibilities rather than obstacles.

Another exercise is rewriting personal narratives: take a limiting belief (“I failed once, so I’ll fail again”) and craft an alternative (“I learned crucial lessons, so I’ll succeed next time”). This aligns with Eleanor Brown’s observation: “We cannot change the past, but we can change the story we tell ourselves about it.” 13

A Call to Action

Believing in a better tomorrow is not passive hope—it’s a commitment to act. Whether through community projects, creative endeavors, or personal rituals, each step forward affirms that what is coming is indeed better than what is gone. As you close this page, ask yourself:

• Which outdated story am I ready to release?
• What small step can I take today toward my vision?
• How will I measure my progress and celebrate success?

By answering these questions, you join a timeless chorus of voices—from Jefferson to Dhliwayo—testifying that faith in the future transforms lives.

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Author: Desalegn Terecha

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