--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: What mattered was the here and now and…" description: "\"“What mattered was the here and now and not the life before, what mattered were the changeable things of today and tomorrow and not the ever, infinitel..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ab6/madeleine-thien-26559_life_what-mattered-was-the-here-and-now-and-n_319002.jpg" --- # What mattered was the here and now and not the life… ![“What mattered was the here and now and not the life before, what mattered were the changeable things of today and tomorrow and not the ever, infinitely, unbearably changing yesterday.” quote by Madeleine Thien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ab6/madeleine-thien-26559_life_what-mattered-was-the-here-and-now-and-n_319002.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ab6/madeleine-thien-26559_life_what-mattered-was-the-here-and-now-and-n_319002.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ab6/madeleine-thien-26559_life_what-mattered-was-the-here-and-now-and-n_319002.jpg) > ““What mattered was the here and now and not the life before, what mattered were the changeable things of today and tomorrow and not the ever, infinitely, unbearably changing yesterday.”” [Madeleine Thien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/madeleine-thien/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Focus on present possibilities rather than past regrets, embracing change as a constant. **In simple terms:** Live in today, not yesterday. Key Takeaway Prioritize present actions over past worries. Themes mindfulness change presence Mood reflective thoughtful Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - daily planning - therapy sessions - creative writing Key Concepts temporal perception psychology acceptance Questions to Reflect On - What present actions can you take now? - How do you balance learning from the past with living now? 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