“If you must look back, do so forgivingly. If you must look forward, do so prayerfully. However, the wisest thing you can do is be present in the present. Gratefully.”
Maya Angelou’s words often feel like a compass for the soul. They offer profound guidance in a simple, elegant package. This particular quote provides a powerful three-part framework for navigating life. It addresses our relationship with the past, the future, and the ever-important present moment. Angelou doesn’t suggest we ignore our history or future plans. Instead, she teaches us how to engage with them in a healthy, constructive way. Ultimately, her wisdom guides us back to the only time we truly have: right now.
Releasing the Past with Forgiveness
We all carry stories from our past. Some bring us joy, while others are heavy with regret, anger, or pain. Angelou advises us to look back “forgivingly.” This is not about condoning hurtful actions from others or ourselves. Rather, forgiveness is about releasing the emotional grip the past has on our present. Holding onto grudges is like carrying a heavy stone. It only weighs you down and drains your energy. Forgiveness allows you to set that stone down and walk forward with more freedom.
This process involves both forgiving others and, crucially, forgiving yourself. We often act as our own harshest critics. We replay mistakes and dwell on what we could have done differently. However, self-forgiveness acknowledges our shared human imperfection. It allows us to learn from our past without being imprisoned by it. By approaching our memories with a forgiving heart, we transform them from sources of pain into lessons that have shaped us. This act of release is essential for our mental and emotional well-being.
Approaching the Future with Hope
Just as the past can bring regret, the future can bring anxiety. We worry about the unknown and feel pressure to control every outcome. Angelou’s guidance to look forward “prayerfully” offers a powerful alternative to this anxiety. The word “prayerfully” suggests an approach rooted in hope, intention, and trust rather than fear. It means setting our intentions and working toward our goals. However, it also involves accepting that we cannot control everything.
Looking forward prayerfully is about embracing a sense of positive anticipation. It is about believing in possibilities and trusting in our ability to handle whatever comes our way. This mindset shifts our focus from worrying about what could go wrong to preparing for what could go right. Instead of being paralyzed by endless “what-ifs,” we can move forward with a calm sense of purpose. This approach doesn’t eliminate challenges, but it equips us with the resilience and optimism needed to face them effectively.
The Wisdom of a Grateful Present
After addressing the past and future, Angelou delivers her most powerful point. She states that the “wisest thing you can do is be present in the present. Gratefully.” This highlights the core principle of mindfulness. The past is gone, and the future has not yet arrived. Our only reality is the current moment. Wasting it by dwelling on yesterday or worrying about tomorrow robs us of the life that is happening right now. Being present means fully experiencing our current reality, with all its sights, sounds, and sensations.
Adding gratitude to this presence elevates the experience. Gratitude shifts our perspective from what is lacking to what is abundant. It encourages us to notice the small joys and blessings that surround us daily. This practice has profound psychological benefits. Indeed, research consistently shows that gratitude can lead to greater happiness and improved well-being . When we live in the moment with a thankful heart, we unlock a deeper sense of contentment and peace. Source
Ultimately, Maya Angelou’s wisdom provides a balanced guide for a well-lived life. It encourages us to make peace with our past through forgiveness. Additionally, it inspires us to look to the future with hopeful intention. Most importantly, it reminds us that true wisdom and happiness are found by embracing the present moment with a grateful spirit. By adopting this three-part philosophy, we can navigate life’s complexities with greater grace, peace, and joy.