"All you have is today."

[Cecilia_L]

I do my best to live in the moment, but I often struggle with trying to mentally plan ahead which hasn't always served me well.

[Faithmwangi]

Sometimes I find myself worrying about the future and sometimes the past. Trying to control situations in my mind, trying to plan, when in actuality they may never really happen as planned. And when I think so much about it, that it seems to frustrate me I remember lyrics to a certain song
,"Que sera, sera,
Whatever will be, will be;
The future's not ours to see.
Que sera, sera,
What will be, will be."

[FictionLover]

"Yesterday is just a memory and tomorrow is not guaranteed, " Duke told Gary.

Do you think Duke was true to living by this sentiment?
Do you live by this or are you too stuck in the past or too worried about the future?

I have a tendency to worry about the future, but I know many people who are stuck in the past. For me, this is a very valid philosophy to explore in the book.

[Bookwormgirl1]

I have only read the review of this book, but it seems like an incredible story. In terms of living in the past or future, I think it's natural for people to flip back and forth from past nostalgia to future anxiety or excitement. What I try to do is just live in the present moment. The past is gone, it's never coming back. Learn from it and move on as best as you can. After all, what is life but just one continuous present moment? To me, it seems that if you're not living in the Now then you're not living.

I definitely agree!

[LaurenHaupt]

i agree. Let go of the past. It's gone and over with. Live with your mistakes and concentrate on the future

[Mercelle]

From this statement, I think that Duke was reflecting on his life and advising Gary to tread carefully and make wise decisions. These words come from a place of love and are filled with good intentions

[Fu Zaila]

I have only read the review of this book, but it seems like an incredible story. In terms of living in the past or future, I think it's natural for people to flip back and forth from past nostalgia to future anxiety or excitement. What I try to do is just live in the present moment. The past is gone, it's never coming back. Learn from it and move on as best as you can. After all, what is life but just one continuous present moment? To me, it seems that if you're not living in the Now then you're not living.

Same! I've only read the book. And as for living in the present, I think future and past does play a vast role on how we go about in life. Learning from past mistakes, experiences in our past, and hopes for a future is what influences the way we live our 'present' life. But rather than dwelling on the past or focusing too much on the future, it is important to give heed to what you do NOW. That's the way you live.

[haleygerstenberg]

I have only read the review of this book, but it seems like an incredible story. In terms of living in the past or future, I think it's natural for people to flip back and forth from past nostalgia to future anxiety or excitement. What I try to do is just live in the present moment. The past is gone, it's never coming back. Learn from it and move on as best as you can. After all, what is life but just one continuous present moment? To me, it seems that if you're not living in the Now then you're not living.

I agree with this... we don't have a lot of time, why waste it trying to relive things that are already gone?

[crediblereading2]

Duke is trying his best to be optimistic and to live in the present in spite of all his challenges, he wants to see some positive changes immediately.

[Anthony Martial Tata]

Excellent review. I think the book is motivational.

[Northernbird84]

As part of my mental health treatment I am learning mindfulness which focusses around living in the moment. It makes such a positive difference to my life and my health. I love the concept, excited to read this book.

[Anthony Martial Tata]

Yes, I think Duke tried her best to live upto the sentiments. The words are inspirational. It provokes the reader to live upto his full potential.

[Izesicle]

I love this quote and it helps me put things into perspective. I am reminded to be less anxious and try to be less controlling.

[Nelsy Mtsweni]

I think it only human to think of the future and to relive the past in our minds, all while trying to cope with the present. As for Duke, him being human too, I think this applied to him also.

[joycechitwa]

In my view, Duke was trying to warn Gary not to waste his "present". Those words must have come from a point of reflection, or concealed regret, I dare say. He probably did not want Gary to end up as him, and in order to accomplish that, he needed to convince Gary not to waste the time he has now in activities like doing drugs.

In that case, I agree with the statement and try to live by it as much as possible - though I don't always succeed !

It's a good mantra and reminder to make the most of whatever time you have now.