Take a deep breath.
Here is 1 creation, 1 quote, and 1 question to consider this week.
1 Creation From Me
“The Gates of Heaven Will Be Locked Tomorrow” - A short story
I creak my eyes open to blinding beams of sunlight —
instantly igniting a fuse of half-asleep rage.
My focus then drifts to the fast-asleep human next to me.
She forgot to close the curtains last night.
A dog barks in the distance.
Moments later — on perfect cue — my dog retaliates with an ear-piercing arsenal of yips and yelps.
I toss the heavy covers off in a sweaty huff.
My body is waking up, but my mind takes the wheel —
and drives us full speed into the dark, spiraling mode of “then it will be worth it”.
Just a few more months until the community launches — then it will be worth it.
After this next big speech — then it will be worth it.
Once I launch a group coaching program — then it will be worth it.
Worth what?
Well, worth sacrificing the present moment — of course.
Some people sacrifice today for tomorrow. Others do it for years, while some do it for their entire lives…
Because they believe that, at retirement, then it will all be worth it.
Then they’ll be more generous.
Then they’ll feel alive.
Then they’ll really enjoy life.
In the torrent of overthinking, my mind cracked.
As if the self-induced suffering shook something loose.
As if a voice, whispering at first, then louder and louder, called out to me to “WAKE UP.”
As if Apollo Creed himself was screaming in my ear, those four words he yelled out in Rocky III:
“There is no tomorrow!”
“There is no tomorrow!”
“There is no tomorrow!”
In an instant, I am shaken awake.
Everything is the same, but different.
The blaring light through the window has softened into crystal rays, and the cotton candy sky now illuminates our home. Poetry in motion.
The human beside me has transformed into my beautiful, loving wife.
My life partner.
My best friend.
Snoozing peacefully… healthfully… right here beside me.
The yelping dog is now my sweet Yorkie, Lela —
a ball of unconditional love and perpetually high vibes —
snuggled between my legs,
under our luxurious comforter,
while the AC has kept us cool all night long.
Love, all around — because love is our natural state.
Joy, all around — because we are meant to enjoy our lives.
Heaven, all around — because heaven is now… or heaven is never.
With a deep breath, I feel tremendous gratitude.
I now know where I am, today.
And I now know that the gates of heaven will be locked tomorrow.
1 Quote From Another
17th-century Japanese Zen master Hakuin Ekaku says this about heaven on earth:
“Nirvana is here, before your eyes.”
Source: Song of Zazen
1 Question For Your Soul
How would heaven feel — and what does that feeling inspire you to do?
If this resonated, pass it along to someone who might need it today. Let’s grow this circle!
Until next time, freethinkers…stay present, be pleasant, and have an amazing day!
Mike Messeroff
Founder of The Carpe Diem Company + Personal Freedom Coach + Speaker
Creator of The Self-Hospitality Collective
Author of Dogs Get It: Advice I learned from my best friend
Connect with me (@mikemesseroff) on your favorite social media platforms, including Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube. For speaking inquiries, collaborations, questions, or anything else, email me.
