Three Ways You Can Begin Living in the Moment

Unless you have a hotline to Jesus, you have no idea how long you will live. Ever notice that every self-help book stresses you should “live in the moment?” Unfortunately, most of us don’t, do you? I have found three ways you can begin living in the moment.

I have decided I am going to. My clock is ticking, and I am not getting any younger. There is no excuse for me not to live in the moment. But, what does that mean?

Life, in general, has constantly been on my mind. I always get reflective when my breast cancer anniversary approaches. My last radiation treatment was May 25, 2017, so I am four years NED (no evidence of disease) today.

You would think I’d have started concentrating on living in the moment in May 2017, but I didn’t. There was a lot of healing and processing through emotions that needed to occur for me first. In fact, I seem to be processing new emotions every single day. Cancer latches on and never lets you go, regardless of your prognosis.

Living in the Moment

I am tired of it, and I am SO done with the fear of cancer returning. It is time to live despite the big C. I need to stop thinking I am too old to begin new things. I need to live in the moment this instant, and here are three ways that I plan on doing just that.

1.) Be aware of my surroundings.

2.) Put my thoughts into action.

3.) Tap into my creative side.

I could add many more items to this list; however, I don’t want to overwhelm myself. I like to set achievable goals to feel good about my progress. I will probably add more ideas as I go through my list. Do you have a list? Maybe it’s time you make one too?

Living in the Moment Means Being More Aware

• There are so many things going on right in front of me. A house is being built around the corner. It has been fascinating to watch it go from a hole in the ground to a huge two-story framed home. I cannot wait to see the finished product. The skills these workers have are amazing!
• I counted 13 bunnies on the Wantagh Parkway while driving to Long Beach yesterday morning. They were the brown ones with the cotton ball tails. It was definitely breakfast time for them. So cute! I also saw two Osprey nests, although there was no sign of the birds yet.
• The ocean water yesterday was that greenish-bluish color you typically see in the tropics. It was beautiful!

I would have missed all of this if I wasn’t paying attention to my surroundings. Did you miss anything going on right in front of you this week? Sometimes we are so busy going to and fro that we have no clue what is right in front of us.

Put My Thoughts into Actions

• I think a lot about things I want to do in our house. Yes, I watch HGTV and envision some of the featured improvements happening in my own abode. I have even gone so far as to research various techniques and price out the costs. Alas, my home remains the same. Why is that? Why don’t I put my thoughts into action? Are you guilty of this too?
• Sometimes I drive past a doctor’s office and think, “I really should go get my sugars checked” or, “When was my last colonoscopy?” I tell myself I will call and make an appointment “as soon as I get home.” Yet, my calendar is still empty. I have great intentions; it is my execution that is lacking. Sound familiar?

This is going to stop today. I am going to stop thinking about things and start doing things. It is just silly of me not to take action.

Are there things you can easily accomplish, yet you keep putting them off? I get so mad at myself for not remembering to take care of doctor appointments. If my son had to go see a doctor I would never forget to make an appointment for him. When it comes to me, I am an afterthought. Can you relate? Why is it ingrained in me to help others and not myself? I need to change this. Do you?

Tap Into My Creative Side

• Whenever someone asks me about my hobbies, I always say I love writing and reading. Lately, I have not made time to do either. In my defense, we have a new rescue puppy in the house that has upended any semblance of order or habits we were used to keeping—still, no excuse.
• I need to make writing a priority in my life. And, I have to have the book read by my next book club meeting!
• There was a time when I was very crafty, and I missed it. Craft projects need to get back on my calendar.

Do you have a creative side? When was the last time you put some focus on it? Has it been too long? It’s another way for you to live in the moment. I find writing something or creating something (or, even cooking something) gives me a sense of accomplishment. Once completed, I am always glad I started. What can you start today?

What are some ways you currently are living in the moment? Drop a comment below and let me know.