While engaging in some self-reflection recently, I came across a passage from the 1970s in a book. It discussed which two days of the week were considered the least important. Some might assume it refers to the weekend. That would direct thoughts towards Saturday or Sunday, the days when work is typically paused. It’s easy to conclude that Monday, being the start of the workweek, couldn’t be the least important. After all, Monday marks the beginning of our efforts to achieve the week’s goals.
However, the passage revealed that the two least important days aren’t adjacent. They aren’t part of the weekend or nestled within the weekdays. Instead, they are yesterday and tomorrow. The rationale is straightforward: yesterday’s actions, being in the past, don’t influence today’s tasks. Similarly, tomorrow’s potential has no impact on how today concludes. The focus is on the irrelevance of yesterday and tomorrow. Whatever happened yesterday is behind us, and tomorrow’s occurrence is uncertain. Without the guarantee of a tomorrow, it’s considered one of the least important days.
This concept underscores the importance of living in the present. What matters is what you’re doing now, this very minute. It’s about being present for yourself and others. Initially, I assumed the weekends or even a Monday might be deemed least important. The idea that yesterday and tomorrow hold that title never crossed my mind. This insight has encouraged a deeper appreciation for the present moment.