The present is the only real time we have

We often like to imagine life as a well-written movie. There are memories, dreams, trailers of what might come. And then… well, the present. That strange moment that always feels like a pause between one important scene and the next. But those “pauses” are, in fact, life itself.

“There are two days when you can’t do anything: yesterday and tomorrow.”

An old man at my favorite café in Naples used to say that, between a coffee and a sfogliatella.

Let’s think about it for a moment.

Yesterday is a waiting room full of mirrors. You look in and see your life as it was, or how it seemed. Some return with nostalgia, others with regret, some with anger. It’s like flipping through an old photo album: beautiful, sure, but the people in those pictures don’t talk back.

You can’t hug them, or argue with them. And yet we go there often, to that past. As if we could change it. Fix a word poorly said, make up for a decision avoided, catch that missed train.

But the past won’t let us move a single comma.

Tomorrow, on the other hand, is a promise. Or better yet: a well-decorated hope. “Tomorrow I’ll go. Tomorrow I’ll do. Tomorrow I’ll start…” Tomorrow is humanity’s favorite excuse. Like that relative who says, “I’ll stop by,” and never does.

So, we’re left with today.

The present. It doesn’t have the nostalgic flavor of the past, nor the golden glow of the future. But it’s the only real time. The only one that belongs to us.

The time when we can act. Or at least try. The only time to love, make mistakes, call someone, go outside, think, breathe… is this one.

We all feel stuck sometimes. Not because of external chains, but because of thoughts traveling in the wrong time.

“If only I hadn’t made that choice…”

“As soon as this phase ends, I’ll start over…”

And in the meantime, life stays on pause. Like a movie left on standby with the remote.

But no one’s coming to press play for us. We’re the directors. Even when the camera shakes a little.

Just like with coffee. Some sip it while staring at the cup as if it were life itself: focused, present. And others? They’re already on their phone, messaging, thinking about tomorrow’s meeting or yesterday’s argument. The coffee gets cold. And so does life.

So what can you do today?

Not talking about changing the world. But maybe you can say that “thank you” you’ve been putting off. Really look at the person in front of you. Or take a walk, even if it’s raining.

Because every small act done today has enormous power: it exists.

And let’s face it, living in the present is also more honest. The past is a story that shifts every time we remember it. The future is a screenplay written in pencil, full of smudges.

Only now tells the truth. Sometimes uncomfortable, but always sincere.

So today isn’t just a time. It’s an opportunity. And like all opportunities, it deserves to be seized without too much thinking.

Because otherwise, we risk spending our lives getting ready to live.

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Maybe we can’t rewrite the past or control the future. But we can train ourselves to be where life truly happens: right here, right now. If you’re looking for more clarity and presence in your everyday choices, it might be time to explore new perspectives.

Discover how coaching can support you, and consider joining a pro bono cycle with me. Nicola Arnese offers these sessions in his spare time to avoid conflicts with other professional commitments. Some flexibility in scheduling may be required.