Right Now

I was reading something Elle shared called Middle Ground, and her reply to one of the comments really resonated with me.

"I read something the other day about how much of our unhappiness comes from not being in the moment. How we either fret about the past, or worry about the future. Something in that poked quietly at a place of understanding for me. Its something I’m musing on."

I've heard this referred to many ways, including:

• Be where your feet are.
• Be present in the moment.
• Live in the here and now.
• Live on purpose.
  

And of course several more that just flew out of my head. And they are all so true, for many reasons. Living consciously right now and right here - because we cannot fully appreciate this moment and receive all it has to offer if we don't. And because this moment will never come around again, and opportunities for growth and love and all the possibility will be gone when this moment is gone.

Of course we're always reminded that tomorrow is never promised, so we must live for today and appreciate and enjoy life while we have it. I really learned the value of that lesson when my Dad died many years ago.

All of this is so true, yet because it sounds trite, or like feel-good mumbo-jumbo we don't take it seriously and we don't really make it a priority to live in each moment. How often we discount an important truth which could have dramatic impact on our lives because it sounds too easy, or too silly.

In truth, how silly of us to not recognize that small and simple is usually best, no need for big complicated drama. How self-destructive of us not to take control of our minds and force ourselves to practice that which we know will benefit us. How arrogant of us to not realize that allowing unhappiness to rule our hearts and minds will cause damage to us physically, mentally, emotionally, and will also harm those we love.

Today, I again choose to live in the here and now. Today, and tomorrow, and the next day, I will need help to keep my focus on the present, to be mentally and emotionally where my feet are. To not live in reaction to others and their moods and foibles, but to live consciously and on purpose, actively choosing that which is best for me.

I challenge others to do the same. Because the truth is, no matter how used to the unhappiness and discomfort and pain we are, and no matter how comfy the familiar is, letting it go, living in and focusing on this moment, right now, is exponentially better and will bring so much more to life than the old comfy rags of unhappiness.

It's time.

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