Now: The Gift You’ll Want Back in 20 Years

In 20 years, there’s a version of you that would trade almost anything to be exactly where you are right now. This exact age. This exact state of health. This exact moment.

The wisdom in Rich Webster’s words invites us to pause and consider the fleeting nature of now. How often do we let the present slip away unnoticed, consumed by plans for the future or regrets of the past? Yet, it’s this very moment—this heartbeat in time—that we’ll one day yearn to return to.

The Myth of Tomorrow

We often tell ourselves that life will be better tomorrow. When we earn that promotion, finish that project, or achieve that long-desired milestone, then we’ll be happy. But in chasing these tomorrows, we sacrifice the magic of today. Life isn’t waiting for us in the distant future; it’s happening right now, in the ordinary moments we too often overlook.

Imagine yourself 20 years from now. The things you take for granted today—the energy to walk up a flight of stairs without pause, the laughter of loved ones, the simple joy of sipping coffee on a quiet morning—may not be as easily accessible. The version of you in the future will long for these very experiences, aching to recapture the vibrancy of now.

Gratitude for the Present

It’s a paradox: we are often unaware of the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. What if we could break this cycle? What if, instead of looking back with longing, we could live fully and gratefully in the present?

Take a second right now. Breathe deeply. Feel the rhythm of your heart. Look around at the people, the places, the sensations that make up your life in this instant. This is your now, and it is precious.

• Celebrate the age you are today, even if it’s not where you thought you’d be. Aging is a privilege denied to many.
• Appreciate your health, whether it’s perfect or imperfect. Your body is carrying you through this world with remarkable resilience.
• Savor this moment, however mundane it may seem. One day, you’ll recognize its extraordinary value.

The Power of Living Fully

To live fully in the now doesn’t mean ignoring the past or abandoning dreams of the future. It means finding joy and meaning in the journey, not just the destination. It means giving yourself permission to pause, to experience, to be present.

When you’re tempted to rush through today, remind yourself of this truth: 20 years from now, you’ll give anything to be back here. Don’t let this moment slip away unnoticed. Embrace it. Live it.

And when the future finally arrives, you’ll look back and smile—not with regret, but with gratitude for the life you truly lived.

Take a second to enjoy it now. It’s a gift you’ll never regret unwrapping.