"L'avenir entre en nous afin de se transformer en nous bien avant qu'il n'arrive."

The core idea here is that the future isn't something that just happens to us; it begins to shape us long before it actually arrives. It's like the seeds of tomorrow are already planted in us today, and as time goes on, we grow and change because of those seeds. In other words, we're influenced by our hopes, dreams, and even our fears about the future way before any of those things materialize.

Think back to when this was said—it's a line from Rainer Maria Rilke, a poet whose works often delve into themes of personal growth and the mystical aspects of human experience. Rilke was all about the deep stuff, really getting into how we evolve as people. This idea reflects his belief that our inner changes precede and shape our actual experiences.

Imagine a young artist who dreams of creating a masterpiece. Even before she touches a paintbrush, the vision of that future work starts to transform her. She begins to see the world differently, her skills improve as she practices, and her confidence grows. By the time she finally starts her masterpiece, she's already been molded by the future she envisioned. The dream itself has been working on her all along.

So how do we apply this? First off, don't dismiss your dreams and aspirations as mere fantasies. They're powerful. Start by really thinking about what you want your future to be. Visualize it, feel it, let it sink in. This isn’t just daydreaming—it's planting those seeds. Then, let those seeds guide you in making decisions that align with that future. Take small steps that move you closer to your vision, whether it’s learning a new skill, meeting new people, or changing a habit that doesn't serve you.

Here's a relatable scenario. Think about a high school student who's passionate about environmental science. She dreams of making a big impact on climate change. Even though she's still years away from entering the field professionally, her future goal starts influencing her choices now. She picks relevant science courses, joins environmental clubs, and engages in community projects. Each of these steps—though seemingly small and immediate—are parts of the future manifesting in her present. By the time she’s ready for college, her future has already begun to take shape.

Now, picture this: You're sitting in a coffee shop, chatting with a friend. They're talking about feeling stuck in their job, unsure of their direction. You might tell them about Rilke's idea. Say, "Hey, what if you start thinking about what you really want in the future? Maybe it’s not about quitting right now, but letting that future dream guide you. What small steps could you take today that align with that vision?" These small steps are like breadcrumbs leading toward that future. They don't need to be huge leaps; even the tiniest step can start to shape you in profound ways.

In essence, the future we envision has this incredible power to transform us. By letting our dreams and aspirations into our hearts and minds now, we start living that future in the present. And before we know it, we’re not just waiting for the future to happen—we're actively creating it.