You learn things in adversity that you would never have discovered without trouble. There is always a seed of hope.
For the rest of my life there are two days that will never again trouble me. The first day is yesterday with all its blunders and tears, follies and defeats. Yesterday has passed away, beyond my control forever. The other day is tomorrow with all its pitfalls and threats, its dangers and mystery. Until the sun rises again I have no stake in tomorrow, for it is still unborn.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of living in the present by letting go of the past and not worrying about the future.
In this quote, Og Mandino reflects on the significance of the present moment by distinguishing between two days: yesterday and tomorrow. He suggests that yesterday, filled with its mistakes and sorrows, is beyond our reach and should not burden us, while tomorrow is shrouded in uncertainty and risks. Thus, he encourages us to focus on the here and now, as it is the only time truly within our control, reminding us to live fully in the present.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech, one might say this quote to inspire the audience to focus on their current goals rather than past failures.
More from Og Mandino
All quotes →Why do we continue to breed little minds who can find no recompense for their own failures other than to belittle and mock the talents, even the dress, of others? When will everyone realize that we are all equal in the eyes of God?
The only certain means of success is to render more and better service than is expected of you, no matter what the task may be. This is a habit followed by all successful people since the beginning of time. Therefore I saith the surest way to doom yourself to mediocrity is to perform only the work for which you are paid.
Only God can shape a flower, but any foolish child can pull it to pieces.
Each day is a special gift from God, and while life may not always be fair, you must never allow the pains, hurdles, and handicaps of the moment to poison your attitude and plans for yourself and your future.
Obstacles are necessary for success because in selling, as in all careers of importance, victory comes only after many struggles and countless defeats. Yet each struggle, each defeat, sharpens your skills and strengths, your courage and your endurance, your ability and your confidence and thus each obstacle is a comrade-in-arms forcing you to become better... or quit. Each rebuff is an opportunity to move forward; turn away from them, avoid them, and you throw away your future.
Similar quotes
At this moment, many people have stopped living. They do not become angry, nor cry out; they merely wait for time to pass. They did not accept the challenges of life, so life no longer challenges them
Avice for a human. 87. Dark matter is needed to hold galaxies together. Your mind is a Galaxy. More dark than light. But the light makes it worthwhile. 88. Which is to say: don't kill yourself. Even when the darkness is total. Always know that life is not still. Time is space. You are moving through that galaxy. Wait for the stars.
Denial helps us to pace our feelings of grief. There is a grace in denial. It is nature's way of letting in only as much as we can handle.
Life without commitment is not worth living.
Every great loss demands that we choose life again. We need to grieve in order to do this. The pain we have not grieved over will always stand between us and life. When we don't grieve, a part of us becomes caught in the past like Lot's wife who, because she looked back, was turned into a pillar of salt.
Daybreak is a never-ending glory; getting out of bed is a never ending nuisance.