We have all heard the clichés: stop and smell the roses, live today, tomorrow may never come and others expressing the same sentiment. The one thing all these sayings have in common is that they are all true. In order to live a happier, healthier life, we do need to slow down and learn to live in the moment.
So many people today are more worried about how to live longer and be happier tomorrow, that they have forgotten how to enjoy living today. Stress builds around us from all sides - family, career and society - and yet few of us take the time to relax and enjoy what we have in the now.
The phrase to live in the moment or to be present does not mean that you do not concern yourself with tomorrow; it does mean that you concern yourself more with today. Tomorrow will get here when it arrives. Yesterday has gone there is nothing you can change about what happened in the past except regret what you did or did not do. Let it go.
Sometimes living in the moment is easy. Think back to those vivid memories you have stored. That vacation, things you did with your best friend, the day you met your spouse. All of those things that you remember in minute detail are times when you lived in the moment. You didn't worry at the time what was for dinner, what you had to do at work the next day or anything else that was future or past orientated. For that period of time, you were living in the moment.
The biggest mistake people make is living in the future. They think to themselves, if only this would happen, then I would be happy. If only I can get that raise, if only I could find that perfect man or woman, if only this, if only that. Every time they do achieve that “if only”, they find out they need something else.
Living in the moment is as simple as counting your blessings today. Take stock of what you do have that is good and be happy. Allow yourself to quit worrying about what may happen and experience what is happening now.
There are several ways that you can train yourself to live in the moment and be present in all that you do. Here are a few.
1. Make a list of all that you do have that makes you happy. Some of these items may not be everything you want them to be, but include them anyway. Some examples could be: A. Your car: it may not be the model you wish you had but it still gets you from point a to point b. B. Your job: it may not be the job you envisioned yourself in but it is your job. Remind yourself that many people don't have one. C. Your spouse and children: they may not be perfect but they are a part of your life. Go tell them you love them. Watch their eyes light up. D. Your home: it may not be that big mansion you dreamed of when you were a child but it is yours; even if you are renting. You do have a home.
2. Take some time out to do something special just for yourself. This could be anything from a bubble bath to a gourmet dinner. Do something special for yourself at least once a day even if it is just eating a piece of chocolate. Savor the moment.
3. Do something special for a loved one without expecting anything in return, including a thank you. Just watch their face, see their enjoyment and know only you could do it for them.
4. Keep a journal. Write down everything good that has happened to you this day. Before long, you will begin to see the good as it happens and you will be in the moment as it does.
5. Find the humor in any situation. Laughter is and has always been the best medicine. By learning to laugh, you learn to enjoy everything life throws at you.
Living in the moment is not hard, but it is a skill to be learned. Start small and learn to take each day as it comes. Stop living for the future and live for now. Wake up early tomorrow and watch the sunrise. As dawn spreads across the sky, you will begin to understand that each day, each moment is precious. Start living those moments.
