Make the most of the moment. One never knows what tomorrow will bring. Filling the moment with love and kindness leaves a trail for others to follow. You’ll never lead them down a wrong path. Ignore the noise, ignore what doesn’t contribute to love and kindness. Tomorrow will work out, you’re building a strong foundation.
“Happiness, not in another place but this place…not for another hour, but this hour.”
So many of us struggle with the uncertainty of the future—we want to know when, where, and how things will happen. We make plans and want to see them through in the exact way we had envisioned them. But as much as we try, we can’t always plan for the exact timing of things or how they will unfold. Life happens, and there are external factors that make it impossible for us to have complete certainty about the future.
Whether it’s a global pandemic, losing a job, or a family member becoming sick, sometimes we must pivot and take things as they come. This isn’t to say that our goals and pursuits are not worth pursuing, but that we need to practice having more cognitive flexibility—a mental shift that encourages us to be more open to the fluidity of life and timing.While we might not know what the future holds, we do know that we are breathing and alive and that there are things we do have control over—things we can do to take care of ourselves and cope with uncertainty.
Are you mindful or is your mind full? And how do you tell the difference? The mind is a great tool for problem-solving, but it’s not great at settling down and being with what is. Most of the time, the mind is wandering around in the past or the future rather than in the present. That means it’s full of thoughts, stories, and narratives that don’t necessarily have anything to do with what’s actually happening at the moment. In some cases, the mind may be caught up in stories that aren’t even based in reality. Mindfulness can offer respite from a busy mind, though it takes conscious intention and regular practice.
Note; With all the noise surrounding us its difficult to be mindful every minute. Don’t give up. Consider each moment you are mindful of the present moment a victory. Give yourself a pat on the back. With time, you’ll be stringing the mindful moments together.
“But genius looks forward: the eyes of men are set in his forehead, not in his hindhead: man hopes: genius creates.”
A beautiful rose cannot relive last spring. It blossoms and brings its beauty to today. Life is lived in the present moment and driven toward a hope-filled tomorrow. Toss your rope around tomorrow deeply believing it’s going to be a good one for you. It will!
“Happiness, not in another place but this place…not for another hour, but this hour (Walt Whitman).”
How many time do we think or say, ‘I will be happy when?’ I know I have done it many times. I need to be frequently reminded of the wisdom in Walt Whitman’s words: ‘Happiness is found in this hour.’ It’s all around me. All I have to do is open my eyes and heart to it. It was in the three mockingbirds I saw this morning and in the red-tailed hawk sitting in my live oak tree waiting for it’s breakfast.
Go all in on the present moment, give it all you’ve got. Do it for each succeeding moment and you’ll blaze a trail worthy of being followed.
We all make plans for the future. It is prudent to do so. Yet, the future is guaranteed to no one. It’s a delicate balance to embrace and enjoy the present moment and simultaneously plan for the future. A part of us must be grounded in the present. Another part of us aspires for something better. This process is part of the human experience that remains with us throughout our lives. Those who master this balance discover the path to a peaceful and happy life.
