Life is too short to worry about anything. You had better enjoy

"Life is too short to worry about anything. You had better enjoy it because the next day promises nothing." These powerful words from Eric Davis speak to the fleeting nature of life and the necessity of living fully in the present. In a world often consumed by worry, anxiety, and a constant striving for more, Davis reminds us that life is precious, and the future is uncertain. We are given but a moment — and how we spend that moment, whether in joy, gratitude, or worry, shapes the quality of our lives. This truth, that life is too short to be weighed down by unnecessary concerns, has been echoed by philosophers and sages throughout history.

The origin of this idea can be found in the teachings of the ancient Stoics, who recognized that much of human suffering comes from our attachment to things beyond our control. Epictetus, one of the greatest Stoic philosophers, taught that we should focus only on what is within our control, and release the rest. He argued that it is our reactions to events, not the events themselves, that cause suffering. In this way, his words align closely with Davis's sentiment: if we focus on enjoying the present moment, without worrying about what lies ahead, we can live a life of peace and fulfillment.

Consider the life of Socrates, who, when faced with the threat of execution, demonstrated an unshakable calmness, refusing to be swayed by fear of what tomorrow might bring. In his final moments, Socrates could have succumbed to fear and regret, but instead, he chose to embrace the present. His acceptance of the unknown future allowed him to live with a sense of profound peace. Socrates' example teaches us that we are not to live in fear of death or the unknown, but to find joy and meaning in each breath we take, for the future is never promised.

A more modern example of this can be seen in the life of Anne Frank, whose diaries chronicled the experiences of a young girl in hiding during the Holocaust. In her short life, Anne faced unimaginable horrors, but she also demonstrated the same wisdom that Davis speaks of: despite the uncertainty of the future, she chose to find beauty in the present. Her reflections on the human spirit, and her ability to enjoy life even amidst fear and suffering, stand as a testament to the power of embracing the present moment. Anne Frank’s ability to experience joy in the face of darkness teaches us that life is too precious to be consumed by worry or regret.

The lesson that Davis imparts, echoing the wisdom of the ancients, is a call to live in the now. Worrying about the future, or clinging to the past, only robs us of the present. Time is not guaranteed, and tomorrow is never promised. The present moment, however, is where life happens. It is in the here and now that we find the true richness of life. The key to living a fulfilling life is to let go of the constant fear of what might happen and to embrace the beauty and wonder of today. By doing so, we honor the gift of life and the short time we have on this earth.

In every moment, we must choose to embrace the present, just as Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, did in his meditations. Aurelius frequently reminded himself that his time was limited, and that he should not waste it on trivial concerns. He understood that life is fleeting, and that true contentment comes from accepting the present as it is, without trying to control or alter it. Like him, we must practice gratitude for each moment, and let go of the fear and worry that often hold us back from fully experiencing life.

In practical terms, embrace each day as if it were a gift. Start by letting go of the worries about what might happen tomorrow, and focus on what you can appreciate today. Whether it’s the people around you, the beauty of nature, or simply the joy of being alive, take time to acknowledge and celebrate the present moment. Engage in mindfulness, and find peace in the now, for it is the only time we truly have. The next day may promise nothing, but today offers all that we need to live fully.

To live in this way is not to ignore the challenges that lie ahead, but to approach them with a spirit of gratitude and presence. Let go of the worry, and instead, live with a heart that is open to the beauty of the present moment. In this, we find a life that is not weighed down by fears of the future, but filled with joy and purpose, in each fleeting breath that we are given. Live fully, for tomorrow is never promised, but today is a gift — and it is in this gift that we find the true meaning of life.