Once upon a time, in a quaint village, there lived a man named William Wanderlust. William had a restless spirit, constantly yearning for the promise of tomorrow. He dreamed of grand adventures, distant lands, and a life full of excitement, yet he never seemed to find the time to pursue his dreams. Instead, he spent his days planning and wishing while his nights were filled with longing for a future that remained just out of reach. One day, driven by an insatiable urge to chase his dreams, William embarked on a journey. He wandered through lush green forests, crossed sparkling rivers, and climbed steep mountains, all the while imagining the wonders that awaited him at every turn. But as each day passed, he found himself in the same cycle: dreaming of tomorrow while doing little to shape it. As his feet trod their path, all the beauty of the now evaded him, and his thoughts remained focused on the next step.
One afternoon, as he rested by a serene lake, William encountered a wise old monk sitting quietly on the shore. The monk’s presence emanated a calm that intrigued him. William approached the monk, sharing his dreams and desires and lamenting how he never seemed to achieve anything. The monk listened patiently and then smiled gently.
“William, you are like a bird perched on a branch, always looking at the horizon. You spend so much time dreaming of flight that you forget to spread your wings.”
Confused, William asked,
“What do you mean? I want to soar into the sky of tomorrow!”
The monk replied,
“Tomorrow is a beautiful illusion, but it is today that holds the key. You can only embrace tomorrow if you take action today. What steps have you taken towards your dreams?”
William realized he had been so focused on the future that he had neglected the present. The monk continued,
“Every journey begins with a single step. If you wish to explore the world, start by exploring yourself. What do you truly desire? What small actions can you take today?”
Inspired by the monk’s wisdom, William began to reflect. He understood that he needed to set achievable goals and take small steps toward them. He started by learning new skills, meeting people along the way, and immersing himself in the beauty of the present moment. As days turned into weeks, William found himself transforming. He learned to savour each experience, whether it was the taste of fresh bread from a local baker or a conversation with a fellow traveller. He no longer felt the weight of unfulfilled dreams; instead, he felt invigorated by the progress he was making. Eventually, William understood that tomorrow would always be there, but it was today that mattered most. With each small step, he navigated through life with purpose and passion. The adventures he once only dreamed of began to unfold before him, not as distant fantasies but as tangible experiences.
Years later, William returned to the lake where he first met the monk. He sat down in the same spot, reflecting on his journey. The monk appeared once more, his eyes twinkling with wisdom. William smiled, grateful for their encounter.
“Thank you for showing me the way,” he said. “I no longer lust after tomorrow. I cherish today and all that it brings.”
The monk nodded,
“Remember, the journey is not about the destination but the experiences along the way. Continue to embrace each moment, and tomorrow will take care of itself.”
With a heart full of gratitude, William Wanderlust had finally found what he had been searching for—not just the thrill of tomorrow but the joy of living fully in the present. And so, he continued his adventures, a man transformed by the wisdom of a simple yet profound truth.
Images by AI
Lazarus Carpenter - Author 