3+ week, 15+ hour ago (223+ words) Editor's note: This "classic" Scott Marcus column originally ran in February 2020. Right now, where are you as you're reading this? Cease all the hub-bub, self-flagellation, to-do lists and mental noise for just a smidge of an instant and give to yourself the gift of simply "being." This moment, in this place, at this time, is your life. It is not lamenting dreams you didn't accomplish or plans for the future. It is not an inventory of promises unfulfilled. It is not how much " or how little " money is in your account. It is a parade of ephemeral, fleeting moments passing into history, an everlasting mental train of thoughts and observations traveling from today to yesterday. THIS moment " this NOW "is your life. What prompted me to wax so philosophically (aside from the fact that I'm incredibly philosophical, insightful, introspective man,…...

1+ hour, 52+ min ago (444+ words) As of this week, I have written 698 columns, each one stored on my hopefully reliable hard drive. If you divide 698 by 52, you get 13" years. In reality, I began writing these pieces in May 2004, which is more than 21 years ago. Here is the confession. Once in a while, due to travel or other obligations, I will recycle a column or use it as a template, updating it as the world evolves. As much as I would like to imagine you remember every word I have ever written and, upon recognizing a recycled paragraph, exclaim, "Honey, Scott ran this back in 2008," I know you do not. Now that the curtain is lifted, read on. We are in the season, that time at the end of the year when the focus turns to family, friends, abundance and gratitude. I have never understood why…...