What if I told you that this is the last Monday morning of your life? And what if I told you that this week you might face your toughest battle with your emotions? You wouldn't complain about your job or that test you don't want to take—I doubt it. You would probably become more aware, because it's the awareness of your emotions and the reality of the moment that allows you to live fully.

DBT teaches us that we can't postpone living, that we need to act now, to express love now, not later. If we thought we had all the time in the world, what would be the point of trying to manage our emotions or build relationships? The truth is, tomorrow isn't promised, and neither is today or the next second.

Every moment is an opportunity to practice mindfulness, to live without judgment, to accept what is, and to find the strength to keep going. We are given moments, each one precious, each one different. So, take these moments, use them. Don't let them pass in anger or uncontrolled pain; don't let them turn into silent suffering between you and others.

You never know when these moments might be taken away. You don't know the final number of moments you've been given. Don't let any moment go unused; don't let a single instant slip by where you could have used your skills to express love, understanding, or kindness to yourself and others.