The phantoms of hope and fear can rob us of the gift of the present.  The present of the gift.   The here and brilliant now.

Instead of the prayer: “I’m getting better and better and better every day,” it is–“I am good, good, good.”  And–“Acceptance changes EVERYTHING” (SAID IN CAPITAL LETTERS).  EVERYTHING.

After all, one of the meanings of “acceptance” is to receive a gift.  Who knew?!

Today I open my hands and heart for the gift of now.  I can still plan for tomorrow, that may be part of today’s task after all.  I can sort and manage the past–that is my taxes, yes.  But in this gift of here and now I cherish the anticipation of the future, making plans that delight me all the way, recognizing that every plan holds a surprise.  And when I tally my taxes I am saying “thank you” to my government for the services that are offered, the social security I may indeed enjoy, the unemployment that may support me.

Hurray for here and now.