“With the past, I have nothing to do; nor with the future. I live now.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
When I think about my struggles with anxiety, I realize that I live in the future too much. It’s crazy how much I worry about things that haven’t happened yet and probably never will happen. I’ve spent my entire life battling the anxiety monster and I’ve missed out on so many great opportunities due to debilitating fear.
Not knowing what will happen makes me anxious. I like predictability and when I’m in situations without it, I can feel it creeping in.
So what does my mind do with the unknown?
I predict what will happen. And anxiety dictates that it’s mostly negative. This creates more anxiety. It’s a vicious cycle.
Control is an illusion, anyway. I can’t ‘control’ what happens to me, but I can learn how to deal with anxiety in a positive manner. I studied psychology for 7 years in university and I’ve read countless studies about the effectiveness of therapy. I’m a believer in it, but I’ve never taken the time to really apply it to myself as much as I could. I can learn coping mechanisms, countering thoughts, breathing techniques, mantras, and visualizations to help. I can work with a Cognitive Behavioural psychologist to work on changing my thought processes. I can talk to people about it. I can write. I can be creative. I can run. I can do yoga. I can be honest about how I feel.
I can laugh about it with Eric when I tell him what I’m anxious about and the look on his face makes me burst into laughter, realizing how ridiculous my worries sound out loud.
Insanity can be defined as repeating the same behaviour over and over and expecting a different outcome. Well, lock me up and throw away the key! If we don’t change our behaviours, thoughts, and actions, we will never grow. If I keep doing what I’m doing now, my anxiety will never get better. However, when we’re struggling with something, we can always open other doors and explore other avenues…
That’s why my goal for July is simple:
To live in the present as much as possible.
I want to get out of my own head, fears, and negative stories on loop. I want to stop losing so much time to the future (and past) and be present in the moment. Of course, it’s good to think about the future and past sometimes- that’s part of the excitement of life- but I also think being present is something that I must work on.
As someone whose mind is always spinning constantly about the past and future, I’ve never had a clue how to go about living in the present. After some research, I’ve come up with an action plan. I’m going to print this list off and put it in a couple places where I will see it daily- my bathroom mirror and my desk.
How I will live in the present:
1) BREATHE
Breathing fully and deeply does not come natural to me. Well, I’m sure it did at one point, but somewhere along the line I became a shallow breather. The more wound up I get, the less I breathe. I’m trying to be mindful of my breath, especially in those moments when I need it the most. Before entering an anxiety provoking situation, I try to stop and take at least 3 deep breaths before proceeding. I used to do this when I gave many presentations in grad school and it really helped calm me before jumping in.
2) Be a Minimalist
Remove your unneeded possessions. We just did this last weekend and Eric and I both felt a huge sense of calmness when we parted with half of the things we own. Physical clutter turns into mind clutter and removing everything but the essentials restores a feeling of tranquility and reminds us what is truly important in life. It sure isn’t material things. Minimalism doesn’t just happen overnight, but the more I approach this lifestyle, the more mindful I am when I make every purchase. This also applies to grocery shopping. Lately, I’ve been more mindful not to bring in new food before the food in the house is used up!
3) Smile
Throughout my life, I’ve been known for being a smiling, happy girl. My teachers even used to write that on my report cards. However, when I let my anxieties weigh me down, my face turns into an anxiety monster. Sometimes I catch myself thinking about something and I notice that I have a huge frown on my face just due to a mere thought. Thoughts are very powerful, but they don’t define who we are and we shouldn’t allow them to change our mood so instantly. Acknowledge your thoughts whatever they may be and then smile. One of my favourite things to do is to smile at a complete stranger because you never know how it will impact their day.
4) Forgive the past
I’ve been through some crappy things in my life and no matter how long ago these past hurts occurred, I will catch myself thinking about it as if it is happening to me now. Sometimes memories are so vivid and real. By failing to forgive things that have happened in my past, I fail to move forward and to be present in the moment. Forgiveness is a personal choice, but when I chose to forgive the past, I feel more free.
5) Dream big, but work hard today.
There is no better moment to accomplish your goals than right now. Planning is motivating, but it’s important to focus on what we can do in the moment and not get too caught up in the future. As we know, things don’t always happen as we predict. All we have is this moment right now.
6) Do one thing at a time.
I’m a chronic multi-tasker like many women. Sure, I make to-do lists occasionally, but that doesn’t stop me from tackling 8 things at once. Due to multi-tasking, I feel like my attention is never 100% where it should be. I may decide to work on a writing project for a certain amount of time, but I’m often composing emails, responding to comments, editing photos, shipping orders, and writing a blog post at the same time. I don’t think that all multi-tasking is negative, but I need to focus on being in the moment for the task at hand. If I tried to do one thing at a time, I think my goal for mindfulness would be easier and I would feel less frazzled.
7) Do less.
It seems like society is always encouraging is to do more, and more, and more. To fill our days to the absolute brim. Where does it get us in the end? Feeling frazzled with half-assed accomplishments? Doing less could mean that you accomplish goals with better concentration and better quality. Rushing things rarely leads to mindfulness. Sometimes, I like to start a writing blog post (like this one) and chip away at it over the course of 2-3 days. When I take it slow, ideas will often come to me over time. Had I hit publish on my first draft, I never would have fully developed my ideas.
8.) Add space
Along the same lines of ‘do less’, add space between your tasks. Don’t schedule things super close together for 12 hours straight. Give yourself a little wiggle room to breathe. If you write a to-do list, leave a few blanks so you can fill them in as things pop up during your day. Things ALWAYS pop up!
9) Cleaning as meditation
I tend to look at cleaning tasks as one dreaded chore after another. There never seems to be enough time for cleaning and when we tackle the list, it’s always a mad rush to bust through it. Cleaning can be a form of mindfulness though and rituals are often calming. Next time you clean, put your full attention into each task, concentrate, and do them slowly. Look at cleaning (and exercise!) as a stress relief in your day rather than a chore.
10) Spread the love
Do something nice for someone everyday. Smile at strangers. Hold the door open. Buy someone a coffee. Give to the needy. Call a loved one. Give someone your seat on the train. Compliment someone. Say ‘I appreciate you’. It just feels so damn good.
[For my research, I used one of my all-time favourite blogs Zen Habits. If you aren’t already reading this blog, you must check it out!]
~~~~~
After I wrote my ‘We Are Never Alone’ post and talked about going back into therapy, I felt like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. And then I read your beautiful comments and emails, and I was overcome with gratitude. I will never second guess posting something that is so much a part of who I am. Once we remove the shame from how we feel, true healing can begin.
And I must say, while writing this post I was really living in the moment. Writing is a great release!
“If you worry about what might be, and wonder what might have been, you will ignore what is.” -Unknown
This post couldn’t have come at a better time! I recently started a job working with very aggressive teenage girls suffering from borderline personality disorder. I am constantly feeling anxious anticipating how they may react to every situation. 50% of the time it’s positive, the other 50% of the time I have support. I need to accept that it is what it is and worrying gets nobody anywhere!
Thank you so much for this post! I can totally relate to everything you wrote, and with some big changes coming in my life the next few months, definitely something I needed to read!
Minimalism.. yes! We sold our house, furnished, almost 10 years ago now.. kept only prized personal things and gave the rest away… moved onto a 34 foot sailboat and call it home. I can’t shop… I have no room!
Totally loving the lifestyle and the freedom from ‘things’.
Good for you.
Wow that’s incredible. I just told your story to Eric and he liked the idea ;)
I’m currently working on being a minimalist… I just moved so I got rid of a LOT or stuff, but I could still use to get rid of a few more things.
Have you read “The Wisdom of Insecurity”? It deals with this topic beautifully ….
No but I will add it to my list to check out!
Living in the present is something I need to constantly remind myself to do. I always seem to tell myself “just wait until X event happens and then things will be good” of course, once X happens that mentality just shifts to the next one. I end up waiting/wishing my life away. Great goal Angela, I will be trying to do the same!
I have many favourite Oh She Glows posts, but this is one that is very very close to the top!! These are such great tips Ange, and I’m taking so many of them with plans to apply them to myself. I started drafting a post this morning about letting myself chill out more, and like you’ve said, slowing down and living in the moment is something I think a lot of people (absolutely including myself) could benefit from. I may even have to print off this entire post as a reminder! :)
Great post with great tips! :)
Love this post. LOVE.
And I needed to read it now, as getting caught up on the past is something I fight with daily….maybe multiple times a day….
Thank you for your courage and your honesty.
Oh Angela I don’t know if I can quite explain exactly how much this post meant for me to read at this exact point. I have just been on an evening walk with my husband, where we discussed my issues with anxiety, how I do a lot of things out of fear… I’ve just recently started running for my own sake, to make me feel good. Before I would do it out of fear of being fat, working like a crazy person out of fear of getting fired – the list is long.
I too am a shallow breather, a multi-tasker (read the post while brushing my teeth) and someone who hardly ever leaves room in between tasks to just be… You reminded me that these are tools that I am free to use at all times. And that I am free to be in the NOW! I think that I leave so little room for quiettime because I am essentially afraid of being alone with my own mind and handling ghosts from the part. It would be valuable to start coming at my psychiatrist’s again.
Thank you. For reminding me and for being you. Your honesty inspires me.
Thank you for your comment Julie! When you said you are afraid of being alone with your thoughts that really resonated with me. Maybe thats why I never enjoy quiet time? I never just sit and be…ever!
At least I believe that this is the case for me. Being afraid of letting go and letting me into the deepest part of my mind. Which just underlines the fact that I NEED to keep learning how to meditate and how to just sitting in the garden and looking at a bird for hours and hours.
Good luck with overcoming the anxiety – I only wish a had the answer to how to do it.
Wonderful post Angela — I too seem to be stuck in my head most of the time — thinking about the past or dreaming about the future. There is nothing wrong with wanting more, but I need to be thankful for what I have and making the most of my situation, while working towards my future goals.
Thanks for the inspiring posts!
Thank you for your PERFECT & timely message. I was reminding myself to enjoy the moment and not worry about a particularly subject and then read your post. Instead of truly enjoying the good moments, many of us lose the good moments worrying about certain situations.
Great post…can’t thank you enough for the post and your site!!!
Great post! Now if I only saw cleaning as meditation, I’d be set for life.
ditto :)
This came at a great time for me! I have been thinking about this a lot lately and have some to the conclusion that I really need to live in the present– not get caught up in all those other distractions. These are fantastic tips and I think many will come into play for me very soon. Also, THANK YOU for the Zen Habits blog link– quite a gem!
Angela, one tip someone recently passed onto me is to focus on your senses to really be “in the moment”. For instance, the way the light hits a blanket and brings out the colors in it; the feeling of water as you’re washing dishes; the dirt under your feet; the warmth of the shower. Hope it helps you. When I remember to do this it does help me :)
yes I love that tip!! I have a hard time doing it, but hopefully will get better with practice.
Thank you for this. I do so many of the things you talked about, its nice to know you are not alone. I especially love the- expressing your anxieties aloud to Eric. I do this all the time and as you said, the look on my fiance’s face, telling me I’m crazy, usually helps!
OMG! Angela I’ve been a fan of your blog for some time now because I love your recipes. However, I really needed to read this non-food related post today. It was like I was reading this about myself. I can totally relate even about the part of telling my worries to my husband and looking at the reaction on his face. Then I realize how ridiculous they sound. Great tips too and it feels good to know there are other people that have similar struggles.
Beautiful post! I think I myself needed to read this right about now. Thank you for so often opening up about tough topics on your blog, Angela. You become a brave soul who so many of us can relate to — and appreciate for being so brave!
I cannot even tell you how much this post sounds like it was written by me. Each time I go home to be with my family, I end up in some sort of anxiety provoking situation. As much as I try to control it, I cannot. I have tried for years to explain to my family members what it feels like to be driven and held down by anxiety. It took me until the age of 20 to realize that it was my body chemistry that was incorrect, not my reactions to situations. I had to form coping mechanisms that would calm me down and keep my emotions in check. Writing, singing, exercising, cooking, taking walks, –> these all help. It is so hard to understand unless you are going through it. It is like a second voice in your head controlling all of your thoughts and movements. Without strict structure, I become overwhelmed and extremely nervous. Anxiety has affected my family relationships, friendships, and my dating life. I have tried counseling in the past and did not click well with the doctor. Maybe its time to give it another shot?
Angela-
Your post was so refreshing today!! I felt as if you were righting it for me. I too have suffered from anxiety, and it is so frustrating. Your tips were amazing and I plan on using them in my own life as well. I mostly experience social anxiety, I will never be the first person to come out and say hi in a room full of strangers, I do not like to stand out, and feel as if I STICK OUT most of the time.
I can say that I have challenged myself more this past year than in all of my adult years combined ( I am 45). This past year I signed up for a Clinical Nutrition course which required me to drive an hour away from home every evening, I ran a half marathon, and raised $1,100. I was more fearful of asking people for money than running the miles, weird huh?
So here are a few supplements that can help ease anxiety, especially stress induced anxiety.
Calcium/Magnesium-helps relieve tension, nervousness& anxiety
A really good Multi-vitamin/Mineral-essential for proper functioning of adrenal glands.
SAMe – involved in over 40 biochemical reactions in the body, has a calming effect.
B-Complex my all time favorite go to vitamin for stress combat.
Foods-apricots, asparagus, avocados, bananas, blackstrap molasses, brewer’s yeast, broccoli, brown rices, dulse, figs,fish, garlic, nuts, seeds and yogurt, all provide valuable minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium which are depleted by stress. People with anxiety disorders have higher levels of free radical damage due to stress.
Last but not least classical music always relaxes and calms me. I hope this has helped me as much as you have been a help to me and my family.
P.s my kids <3 VOO (:
Thanks Melissa!
Really love your post, read your blog every day and truly enjoy it. Big time!
I think it’s a brave thing to talk about your struggles in life and your ideas of living in the present sound so usefull! I’ll intergrate the decluttering rule in my life, that’s my goal for this month. Thanks!
But, why do you make such a huge list for yourself? You can’t possibly do all of those things. Why don’t you just pick one or two things (and be kind for yourself by not overloading yourself with expectations you can’t possibly live up to) and really, truly intergrate those things in your daily routine?
Love from Holland! Sam
Actually one of the things on my list ‘do less’ is an objective of mine. Shorter lists, better quality of work. :) Which why I have just one goal for july- to be mindful and present.
I absolutely adore this list, missy. I love, love, love keeping things simple. It always seems as though when I realize that I need to think and live more simply that I instantly feel the weight come off my shoulders and chest. I once had a New Year’s resolution to smile more. That was an awesome year. :) Happy weekend!
Angela, I’m a huge advocate of therapy, which has helped me immensely over the years. And I, too, am familiar with the anxiety monster! Your points are fantastic. And, I’ve found, as you get older (since I am SO MUCH older than you!!), you really do begin to take on those points just naturally. Things that would have once caused me great anxiety roll off my back easily these days. Sure, there are other things that stress me out, but overall, I’m way better at handling them than I used to be in my 20s. The only point I haven’t quite mastered yet is “getting rid of things”–time for a house-purge over here at the DDD household, too, I think!! ;)
I use to get really anxious and get so worked up about things that didn’t matter or hadn’t even happened. I would get wound up over a conversation I thought I might have to have with a friend, or what work would be like next season. It would escalate in my mind to a point where no issues became issues – but only in my mind. In the last year I have somehow been able to release all that anxiety. The only advice I have is “don’t sweat the small stuff”. Whenever I feel the anxiety demon building up inside I ask myself “does this really matter??”. I don’t really know what’s changed in the past year that has allowed me to let go of my anxiety. Beside my one little piece of advice above I would suggest a vitamin B supplement. Those two things have worked for me and my anxiety demon has disappeared.
Reading this was a shocking out of body experience. It might have just as well be my picture up there, because that’s exactly how I feel most of the time. Always worried about the future, always planning something and my life just passes me by.
I will definitely be printing this post out! Though I would add one thing to your list: research has shown that touching cat fur is bot relaxing and beneficial for mental health, so a scheduled little break to pet the cat should be on the list as well.
I need to print this list :)
Awesome post! I’ve always had a hard time living in the present; I’m constantly looking ahead to what I have to do tomorrow, next week, next year, next decade! It gets a little crazy. Everything is so true.
As a sidenote, I made the no-bake version of your double chocolate torte for my 21st birthday/post-GRE celebrations today – it was AMAZING! Definitely making it again and again. I used almonds in the crust instead of pecans, and they worked perfectly! Thanks for another awesome recipe!
And by ‘everything is so true’, I meant to say ‘everything in this list is so true’ :).
Glad you liked it and that the almonds worked too!
I love this. Especially the definition of insanity…it really hit home that I have to do something different to find a new outcome.
Angela what a blessing you are for sharing all your beautiful creative ways of preparing food. Thank you:) I haven’t kept up with your blog as much this past year basically because of life and finding it hard to find time to sit and get time on the computer. I always enjoy reading and seeing what is new and exciting. I haven’t read the last few blogs but I just want to encourage you on this one, in those times of anxiety. I was one of those people who would lay in bed and replay the whole day. Who I talked with , how the conversation went, what I should have or could have said…then think about what I would say the next time. Thinking that I could always make everything better or fix situations, making myself almost sick. Worrying about everything else on top of that. Anyways long story short I also have tried many things to cope with anxiety, reading different books, different styles of yoga, exercise. I have always believed there was a God but didn’t really acknowledge what he is or who he is. This last year I have become friends with some amazing people (not cult like at all…lol) They have taught me who this true God is…A God of LOVE:) He doesn’t want us to live in fear or worry or stress. Matthew 6:34 Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
So a year ago I truly became a Christian. One who now lives for this God. When I am troubled I turn to him knowing his love for me. I can give him my worries because he is ultimately in control, it takes all the pressure off me. I meditate on him and his word now. My life was a mess when I was trying to control it now I have let it go and let God. Soooo good. Blessings on you beautiful Angela. I pray your spirits are lifted and his love consumes you:)
Thank you Tracie! Im happy you’ve found the peace that you were searching for. :)
Oh wow! Your post has truly touched me and impacted me in a scary poignant way. I have struggled with anxiety for many years in the past and it’s flared up recently. I find myself saying that I don’t understand how others can live this rosy life while I struggle… This is so perfect and has given me hope and new perspective. Thank you, thank you.
Living in the present is the most peaceful and fulfilling way to live. I learned a lot from The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. Staying present is something I constantly need to remind myself of and I completely agree with you that writing is a great release. Warm wishes!
Thank you so much for this post! I actually needed this. I’ve always been branded the happy yogini or the happy veg-head just because I have a smile that I could not seem to wipe off my face. Now, I seem to be losing my sparkle! This post is a wakeup for me to quickly do some soul-searching and to start snapping out of this rut!
Love your post! It made me think of my favorite quote “worry is the advanced price we pay for things that may never come”.
great quote!
On the topic of Eric’s reaction to your worries, I would be interested in a post about identifying with and comforting those suffering from anxiety. Recently, my boyfriend was diagnosed with several anxiety-related disorders, and since he began taking an antidepressant, his disposition has changed radically. He used to be fully engaged in the world and the present moment; he always made keen observations and shrewd comments, and was (at least outwardly) confident and contented. Now he constantly obsesses over his negative thought patterns and has adopted a blasé attitude towards everything else. He was so occupied with overanalyzing his mental processes that he barely appreciated your high protein quinoa almond berry salad and strawberry oat squares when we picnicked in Millennium Park this afternoon… hmph.
When he initially told me about his anxiety and accompanying feelings of inadequacy and despair, I experienced an unexpected and total powerlessness. Our relationship has stagnated, and although I attempt to be his “calm ocean breeze” by redirecting his thoughts with my positivity and insight, my words and actions seem to have no impact on his condition. Effectively supporting those struggling with anxiety without absorbing their negativity is perhaps as challenging as dealing with one’s own anxiety.
For us, we’ve always talked things through and Eric has helped me disprove many of my anxieties. However, it’s not easy for someone to do that and I don’t think that he should have to either, which is why I ultimately decided to go back into therapy. I think when anxiety reaches a certain point, a professional is usually needed to make progress. This alleviates stress and burden on the partner too. Has your boyfriend thought about therapy? Usually antidepressants are most effective when therapy is used in conjunction.
I was on a couple different antidepressants/anxiety meds in university for a short period of time and I actually felt worse on the meds, even with therapy. They weren’t for me, but everyone will be different of course.
He has been seeing a psychiatrist for cognitive-behavioral therapy, but as in your case, even with therapy, the antidepressant seems to be curbing recovery instead of ameliorating the symptoms. I think the best course of action for me is to simply be patient and supportive, allowing him to work out his issues on his own and with a professional. Thanks so much for your advice and inspiration, and best of luck with your return to therapy.
What a great post with great advice! Do less– I need to incorporate this into my daily life for sure!
Just scrolling through this post as well as a few others, I noticed that a quite amazing number of people listed you as an inspiration. I would agree wholeheartedly–you are. I’m sure you know this, but I found one comment you made in the last post to be quite interesting. If I remember correctly, you mentioned being somewhat worried to talk about your anxiety you were “supposed to be past that, supposed to be an inspiration,” which is, by all means, a natural fear.
In truth, however, I think it is this very weakness–or rather the ability to admit and address it–that makes you an inspiration. Hearing someone such as yourself talk about a feeling with which every, single person has wrest and grappled is liberating. It reminds us that someone has felt or is feeling that which ails us. It reminds us to take a deep breath, look life straight in the eye, and step forward without looking back.
Thank you Lexi, that is what I realized when I posted it. It’s never a bad thing to be vulnerable, but necessary to heal.
Wow, this is so thoughtful. I don’t have anxiety, but I can imagine how hard it must be. I can use these tips for other things though. Thanks!
Great post Angela! I’m actually doing sort of the same thing. Getting my life simpler, trying to be in the present and be still, and not constantly thinking about EVERYTHING!!!!!! I’m also looking deeper into myself to change a lot of my old habits. They’re not getting me anywhere, they’re producing stress and anxiety, and quite frankly, I’m sick and tired of it! Life is too precious to waste it on such crap! It’s time to move forward and stop fretting so much! Thanks!
This was such an inspiring post. Printing it out and working towards ‘Living in the present’ this week :)
It’s amazing isnt it getting rid of all those things in your house that clutter it up. Im one of those who thinks well I might need it one day..but yet after getting rid of it I don’t even miss it. I see too much into a future and have big goals but they cant come true because I dont see what is right now. I recently buckled down on myself to focus on the now, it’s a bit labour intensive because for example I dream of a new house but none of my present actions reflected this future vision so now Im organising my finances etc or I dream of being an author..stupid me forgot I need to actually finish my novel, so now Im taking that as a serious job now.
But yes its so easy to lose yourself and yes my biggest challange is that I miss oppertunities due to fear.
I totally needed this!! Especially #2: Be a minimalist
We are in the process of moving into a smaller rental house and I feel so overwhelmed by all of the stuff we have accumulated! And all of the stuff I ‘Don’t want to throw away/donate, but I don’t really need’. Having too much ‘junk’ can lead to stress and a ‘cluttered mind’. Thanks for reminding me that all of these worldly possessions aren’t whats most important in life.
And we definitely need to use up the groceries we have before shopping again!! I’m starting to think I’m a food hoarder! ha ha!
Good luck on your journey.
beautiful and inspiring, I can relate with the viscious cycle and the decluttering towards minimalism!
I came on your sight today.. I wanted to look at the
recipe for your baked beans….The crock pot is ready :-)
However this post was front and center so I decided to read.
I watched a video last night shared with me from a friend
and as I read your post I thought I will share the video with
Angela.
So here you go Angela
Peace and joy within
JoAnn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYYXq1Ox4sk&feature=player_embedded
Loved this post! You resonated on so many levels with the minimalism, therapy, space creation, and breathing!
I’ve started to tell everyone that I make NO plans for Sundays so that one day of the week can be absolutely free for whatever impulse I decide to follow in the moment.
Best of luck with everything & hope my email proves helpful in some way!
Angela you should really try the class INTENSATI – I am currently going through the six month certification for the program and it is amazing. The class combines spoken affirmations with physical movements and it is all about self-awareness, being present, and changing negative patterns into positive behavior. Look it up on the web: www.intensati.com
Thanks I’ll check it out :)
What a wonderful reminder to live in the present. Why is it such a difficult thing? I have been focusing on being more mindful as well. As a new mom I have come to realize the most important thing is to enjoy my son and not worry about all the things I think I should be doing. At the same time when he is napping I struggle with not rushing and trying to do a million things and then get nothing accomplished. I am trying to focus on one task at a time, doing less and breathing. My hubby and I are minimalists and it truly has made both of us so much happier…less stuff also means less stuff to clean:)!! Have a wonderful day and also thank you for introducing Zen Habits!!
I loved reading your post…so inspirational. Being in the present moment is also one of my goals! I recently started my career in occupational therapy and while I luv OT, I am not fulfilled by my current position and it is actually one I never saw myself doing…a little disappointing. I find myself constantly looking to the future and trying to figure out how to make my career work for me…how to take the next step…also, trying to figure out how i can incorporate my passion for food & fitness…my mind spins sometimes. While I think it is perfectly normal to plan for the future, I know it is equally important to be happy and thankful and present in the moment! To finding the balance!
Thank you so much for inspirational tips…I am also going to incorporate these into my routine!
Happy Weekend!:)
great post! xoxo
I can really relate to this post. I am a worrier. I worry about what the future will hold. It makes me want the future to be here so fast, so that I’ll have “all the answers”, that I really do miss out on a lot that is going on in the present.
I think about the quote, “The days are long, but the years are short.” I don’t want to spend my life in the future, and miss out on all the beauty and precious moments that are going on now. Thank you for reminding me of this today!
This is a wonderful post. <3 I always struggle with living in the future to much. I worry to the point of making myself sick. I will give these tips a try. Thanks !