there was once a reporter who was investigating a story on how to live a long life. he was walking down the street and saw a man who looked very old, so he went over to him and asked,”uh, sir, how did you reach such an age? – anything you want to share with our listeners?”
“yes, actually- i smoke six packs a day and spend every night in the bar until 3 am”
Zechor es hayom ha’zeh, the purpose of yetzias mitzrayim is to imbue each day, ha’yom ha’zeh, with meaning. And from the succession of meaningful days grow to become a greater person.
Also, focus on what you can do today. Don’t stress over past mistakes, but determine to make TODAY a better one. And that will help ensure that tomorrow will also be better.
I don’t like short vorts because then everyone comes at one time and no one can breathe in the house/ shul or wherever the vort is. its better to make it a few hours so it can be more of an in and out thing without too much congestion.