TGIT (Tig-It)… Thank God/(Goodness) It’s Today
I’m here to share a transformative idea that has not only reshaped my life but could also reshape yours. This concept is the cornerstone of my books, “TGIT… Thank God It’s Today,” and “This Old Dog Can Teach You New Tricks… Timeless Wisdom for Living Fully”, it revolves around nurturing gratitude and appreciation for today. It’s about breaking free from the past’s shadows and the future’s mirages to embrace the now—wholeheartedly and joyfully.
The Power of Today: Embracing TGIT (Tig-It)
So, what does TGIT truly mean? It is a ‘mantra’ that stands for cherishing each moment and finding beauty in the everyday. Many of us are caught up in what’s next or what has been, missing out on what is. Whether we’re anticipating the next big thing or stuck in nostalgia, we often bypass the richness of the present.
Living for Tomorrow and Dwelling in Yesterday: Why It’s a Problem
Our fixation on the future or the past can rob us of present joys and opportunities. This constant looking ahead or behind leads to chronic stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction, as we never fully engage with where we are or what we have.
In this article, I’ll discuss why dwelling in the past or always waiting for tomorrow is a problem, and I’ll share strategies for embracing the present moment. I’ll also talk about the benefits of living in the moment, and I’ll share my personal story.
So let’s get started. Today is a gift, and I’m grateful to be here with all of you. Let me begin by sharing a personal story with you.
When I was a younger man, I lived my life with the philosophy of “What’s in it for me, and it can wait until tomorrow or next week.” I was in great shape, a student of the martial arts for nine years. I had good friends, a great job teaching at the University of Florida. I was on top of the world.
That all changed with one sentence… “You need to get your affairs in order, you have three months six at the most to live.”
I sat across the desk from my oncologist as he spoke these words that shook my world, my very core. (I will come back to my story at the end of this article.)
The TGIT Mantra: Action Steps to Embrace Today
The good news is that it’s possible to learn how to embrace today and live in the moment. Here are a few strategies that can help:
- Practice Mindfulness (I-TGIT): “I Thank God (goodness) It’s Today.” Start each day with this ‘mantra’ and remind yourself to be fully present. Mindfulness is the practice of being fully engaged with the current moment, aware of our thoughts and feelings without judgment. This helps us appreciate the simple joys of life and minimizes distractions.
- Cultivate Gratitude (DoYouTGIT): “Do You TGIT?” Make it a habit to recognize the good around you. Gratitude is about focusing on what we have, not what we lack. This shift helps us appreciate our current blessings and fosters a more positive outlook.
- Set Priorities: Know what’s truly important. This clarity allows you to focus on what really matters and make intentional choices that enhance your life.
- Practice Self-Care: Proper self-care is essential for being present. This includes getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in activities that rejuvenate your spirit and body.
Benefits of Embracing the Present
By incorporating these strategies into our lives, we can find joy in the present moment. Embracing today offers numerous benefits:
- Reduced Stress: Focusing on the present reduces the overwhelming feeling that comes with constant future planning.
- Increased Happiness: Living in the moment allows us to enjoy life’s small pleasures, increasing our overall happiness and fulfillment.
- Improved Relationships: Being present improves our interactions and connections with others, leading to more meaningful relationships.
- More Creativity: Without the burden of future worries, our minds are free to explore and create.
- Greater Resilience: Finding fulfillment in the present helps us handle challenges better and recover from setbacks more quickly.
These are just a few of the many benefits of living in the moment and embracing today. By adopting the TGIT philosophy, we can live more fulfilling, satisfying lives and make the most of every moment we’re given.
Back to My Story
From my oncologist… to me… and now to YOU.
After sharing with me that I only have months to live, my oncologist told me about these groups, comprised of other ‘terminally ill’ cancer patients. He told me how they bonded together to experience life to the fullest, doing things they might never had made time to do in their ‘normal’ day to day life. He shared how they lived every day, every moment intentionally.
Reality Check!
You don’t need a doctor to tell you you are going to die… We are all going to die. Most likely, we won’t get to choose: How – When – Where. However… we do have a choice regarding how we are going to Live (Life’s quality is not dictated by its length but by its depth and richness).
Challenge to You: Embrace TGIT
Today, as you read this, I challenge you to adopt the TGIT mindset. Start by saying “I-TGIT” each morning. Throughout your day, ask “DoYouTGIT,” and recognize the moments worth appreciating. Remember, every day is a precious gift, and how you live today is your gift back to yourself.
PS… Here I am, decades later, still living and promoting TGIT, thanks to what I consider a miraculous turn of events.