You’ve got big dreams, and it’s stressful to do the things that you have to do to achieve them. Whatever future you’re manifesting and wherever you are in life, we’re here to assure you that you’re doing great, because you’re doing great.
No matter what’s happening in your life, it is important to remember to appreciate the present moment, because life moves fast. The importance of being and living in the moment has never been greater than it is today. With all our resources, screens, and distractions, it’s easy to get caught up in all of it and miss out on the moments at hand.
Beyond this, work, school, and home responsibilities are always on our minds, and sometimes it feels like a million things are happening at once. You might have a million things to think about, but there is only one present. And living in the present means being in the now, and letting the future take care of itself and letting the past be the past.
Instead of dwelling on the past or being anxious about the future, we’re here to walk you through ways that you can enjoy the present moment.
1. Remove Unneeded Possessions
Minimalism can force you to live in the now. Removing items and belongings that have connections to the past allows you to stop reliving those memories. Memories keep you in the past, and although some memories are good to hang onto, some might drag you down. By holding onto possessions of the past we allow the past to keep its hold on us, but if we’re able to remove the possessions, we can remove the past and begin to live in the moment.
2. Smile More
Try starting each day with a smile. You are in control of your attitude in the morning. If put on an optimistic and upbeat front, then you’re more likely to feel that way. By starting every day with a smile you’re training your body to feel happier, without you even thinking. There have been studies that show smiling brings happiness and relieves stress.
3. Take Time to Appreciate the Moments
Slow down, you deserve it! It’s easy to get ahead of yourself and start thinking about tomorrow or next week. Instead, try focusing on the moment. Specifically, focus on the sounds, smells, and sights of right now. How do they make you feel? The reality is that when you live in the moment, you’ll feel a lot of emotions, because emotions are more potent when we are present and paying attention to our feelings. By appreciating and honoring your emotions, you can learn to enjoy life authentically, without ignoring your emotions.
4. Forgive
You’re worthy of respect, so if you’ve been wronged, don’t internalize it. It’s not your fault! It can be hard to forgive and forget. If you’re harboring resentment or hate towards others because of the past, try to move on. The harm was their fault, and it is possible for a bad experience to become less painful. When you forgive—over time—the impact of an upsetting event will not impact your day-to-day living, as much. Let go and be in the now while appreciating that all experiences have brought you to this moment in your life.
5. Focus on the Now
It is perfectly normal to set goals for yourself and check in on where you are in life. However, don’t lose sight of the right now, because you’re dreaming of five years from now. You won’t get to the place you want to be by overlooking what’s happening, and if you do get there, you’ll be wishing you would have enjoyed the journey more. Dreaming about the future is only productive when it’s paired with working and living in the now.
6. Give Thanks
It sounds easy, right? Just give thanks. Either when you wake up or before you head to bed, take some time and really think about where you are and what brought you there. Focus on the moments you thought were troubles but turned out to be blessings. Focus on the people who love you and have helped you. You are at this spot in your life because of everything that has happened to you. Even if some of that stuff is bad, it has made you stronger. Give thanks for the ability to see another day. Because the world’s better, because people like you are in it!
You deserve to feel more at peace, so let’s get started!