Be Here: Embracing Today as Yesterday's Tomorrow
On a quiet trail in Alberta, a hiker strides forward, surrounded by towering trees and a misty forest path. The caption on the image reads, "about tomorrow but making it through today," a sentiment that echoes the timeless saying, "Be here, as today is yesterday's tomorrow." Shared by @KassDays on June 2, 2025, this moment captures a profound truth: to live fully, we must be present in the now, for today is the tomorrow we once dreamed of—yet we must also prepare for the future that awaits.
The Meaning of the Moment
The saying "Be here, as today is yesterday's tomorrow" invites us to reflect on the fleeting nature of time. Yesterday, we may have looked forward to this very day, imagining what it might hold. Now that it’s here, are we truly present for it? Too often, we find ourselves caught in a cycle of waiting—waiting for tomorrow, for the weekend, for the next big moment—while today slips through our fingers. The hiker in Alberta reminds us to ground ourselves in the present, to feel the earth beneath our feet, to breathe in the crisp forest air, and to appreciate the journey as it unfolds.
Mindfulness, at its core, is about this act of being here. It’s about noticing the small details—the way the sunlight filters through the trees, the sound of gravel crunching underfoot, the weight of a backpack as it carries the essentials for the trail ahead. For the hiker, this moment on the trail is a culmination of yesterday’s plans, but it’s also a step toward tomorrow’s goals. The saying urges us to stop postponing our joy and to live fully in the day we’re given, because today is the tomorrow we once anticipated.
Living Today, Planning for Tomorrow
While being present is vital, the saying doesn’t dismiss the importance of looking ahead. The hiker, with a sturdy backpack and a clear path, is prepared for the journey. They’ve planned for this day, likely packing water, snacks, and a map, all while keeping their destination in mind. This balance—living in the moment while planning for the future—is key to a meaningful life.
Consider the hiker’s journey as a metaphor. Each step on the trail is a moment of presence, a chance to take in the beauty of Alberta’s wilderness. But the hiker also knows where they’re headed, whether it’s a scenic lookout, a campsite, or the end of the trail. In our own lives, we can embrace today—spending time with loved ones, pursuing a passion, or simply resting—while still setting goals for tomorrow. Maybe it’s planning a career move, saving for a dream trip, or, as one Okotoks resident recently shared, visiting All Through the House to pick up antique white paint to brighten their kitchen cabinets. These acts of planning don’t pull us away from the present; they give our days purpose and direction.
The Hiker’s Lesson: Make the Most of Today
The image of the hiker, shared by @KassDays, is a powerful reminder to make the most of today. The Alberta trail, with its mix of vibrant greenery and stark, leafless trees, speaks to the cycles of life—growth, change, and renewal. The hiker’s caption, "about tomorrow but making it through today," suggests a focus on perseverance and presence. Perhaps they’re on a multi-day hike, where each day’s effort brings them closer to their goal. Or maybe they’re simply taking a moment to reflect on the challenges and triumphs of the day.
This mindset can inspire us all. Instead of waiting for tomorrow to start living, we can find joy and meaning in the now. Take a walk, like the hiker, and notice the world around you. Visit a local gem like All Through the House in Okotoks, where you might find inspiration in a recycled robin sculpture or the perfect paint for a home project. Call a friend, try a new recipe, or write down a goal for the future—but do it today, because today is the tomorrow you once looked forward to.
A Call to Be Here
As the hiker continues down the trail, they embody the balance of mindfulness and foresight that "Be here, as today is yesterday's tomorrow" encourages. Let’s take a page from their journey: be present in the moment, savor the day you’re in, and make the most of it, all while keeping your dreams for tomorrow in sight. Life is a series of todays, each one a chance to live fully, to plan wisely, and to move forward with intention.
So, be here. Today is yesterday’s tomorrow—and it’s yours to embrace.
