### A Mantra That Significantly Influences My Life: “There Will Come a Day…”
Frequently, we stumble upon ideas, quotes, or seemingly random pieces of wisdom that strike a chord with us in ways we may not fully grasp at first. It’s only later, through contemplation, that we come to understand their significance and the transformative effect they can have on our existence. One such quote entered my life, not from a renowned publication or a spiritual guide, but from an unfamiliar person named Laura Kloepper. Her mantra has lingered with me ever since, acting as a gentle yet persistent reminder of the ephemeral nature of time and the importance of cherishing the present.
The quote?
> **“There will be a day when you can no longer do this.”**
### The Strength in Simplicity
The quote is clear-cut, yet immensely impactful. It highlights something that we, as humans, often overlook: our physical, cognitive, and emotional abilities are not everlasting. We frequently navigate life on autopilot, taking for granted the capabilities we possess today. This mantra serves as a push, a call, to awaken and immerse ourselves in the present moment, to acknowledge our skills while we still have them.
The phrase could pertain to anything — walking, jogging, lifting weights, embracing a loved one, or even routine tasks like washing dishes or commuting to work. While these moments might not be accompanied by grand displays or celebratory events, it’s the absence of these ordinary abilities that may ultimately bear the most significance. What makes these words resonate is that they provide a stark clarity to something we often disregard as we traverse our daily routines — the fragility and transitory nature of even the most commonplace elements of our lives.
### Contemplating Loss: Broken Foot, Altered Perspective
I don’t need to imagine what it’s like to lose these abilities; I have lived through it. Years ago, I fractured my foot, and it rendered me immobile for some time. What struck me, however, wasn’t the physical discomfort — it was the overwhelming sensation of despair from suddenly being incapable of doing what I had always done. Actions as simple as walking or cycling were no longer possible. Bathing in a tub evolved into a complicated endeavor to navigate.
It was a moment of realization that shifted my viewpoint. All those times I had previously complained about needing to go for a walk or had reluctantly grumbled about the idea of going for a run came flooding back to me. In that moment of inactivity — of enforced stillness — I recognized just how much I had taken for granted. How effortless it had been to assume that I would perpetually be able to engage in these activities whenever I desired.
> **“There will come a day when you can no longer do this…”**
What resonates deeply with me is not just the reminder of mortality or aging, but rather, the acknowledgment of how limited every moment, stage, and capability is. Yes, life is transient, but this mantra serves as a reminder that *every ability* of our human journey has a lifespan. Someday, we won’t be able to simply *do* the things we can currently.
### The Inevitable Day is Not Today
After imparting such a sobering message, Laura’s quote brings comfort:
> **“…Today is not that day.”**
Five words that transform a bleak reminder into a meaningful life lesson. These words redirect attention from a far-off, unavoidable future to the empowering present. Today, we *can*. Today, we *are* capable. It’s like receiving a surge of awareness, stirring to the reality that life — *right now* — is the moment to embrace the day, to be present.
The beauty of “Today is not that day” lies in its subtle message that we are granted a gift: the present moment. Rather than getting swept away in past regrets or future anxieties, this segment of the mantra jolts us into gratitude for what we can still accomplish now.
### An Urgent Call to Action: Do It While You Can
This mantra has reshaped how I approach countless activities, both significant and minor.
Some mornings, when I groggily reach for my alarm at 5:30 a.m., dreading my early workout, I think of the day that will eventually arrive when I won’t be physically able to do this. Then I remind myself: *today is not that day*. That dreaded day may come, but it hasn’t happened yet. So I rise, get dressed, and lift those weights. I hop on the spin bike, move my legs, and break a sweat. Because I can.
The same principle applies to my relationships and daily responsibilities. When my son leaves his laundry in the dryer, or when I’m cooking a meal I feel uninspired to prepare, I catch myself before I complain too much. I remind myself that