THE HERE, THE NOW, THE PRESENT
How To Stay Present When You’re Constantly Chasing The Future
I’ve just started reading the book Sapiens, and even 30 pages in my mind is already boggled by not only the history of our being that I wasn’t truly aware of (I highly recommend reading the history of Homo Sapiens … fascinating) , but even more so by the reality of our incessant goal chasing and the ‘more more more’ reality we’ve very clearly made for ourselves. I’m only at the beginning of this beast of a book and it’s enlightening … and not necessarily in a good way.
The reality is we do always look for more. We forget all to often to live in the present, be grateful for what we have (big and small), appreciate the moment, those around us, what we’ve achieved. We’re driven by what’s next, what’s new, what’s more.
It’s a reality I can associate with. And it’s one I don’t like.
Whether it’s my personal career and my continued ambition and drive to achieve new goals, hold new positions and tick off new career milestones. I am fully aware my ambition in my career is and will always be relentless … I don’t feel it’s okay to stop and sit on my laurels, there’s always more to learn, more to do, more to prove and more roles to take on up the career ladder.
I can even see the ‘renovation pipe dream’ stopping Jase and I from appreciating the moment, being grateful for what we have as our first home, as we plan our renovation – you can’t help but fall into a future focussed living where you’re constantly looking at what you’ll have, what you want, instead of what you have right now. Jase in particular can get into a more pessimistic mindset as a result.
It’s why mindful living, focussing on your present, living in the moment and finding calm is just so so important. In a world where we’re running at 40 mph everyday, we must find ways for ourselves to mentally and physically slow down … don’t rush away our years, before we’ve had them, and not race to achieve when really being truly happy is what counts.
SHOP THE LOOK
. MANGO BLAZER . AND OTHER STORIES JEANS . COS TEE . OLD MANGO PUMPS . CHLOE FAYE BACKPACK .
I’ve spent the last few years really trying to live a little more mindfully, and living in the present is critical to that. I always take note of things i’m happy for, I try to keep calm (i’m actually also reading the book Calm at the same time … read into my book selections as you will), I focus on the positives always (i’m a natural optimist which helps) and I really do try to retain perspective at all times. Something I personally believe is imperative for happiness, empathy & integrity.
Anyway, the point …
Whilst we’re all ambitious people, we’re all driven, smart & packed with potential to achieve our wildest dreams. I just wanted to remind you, here today, to not forget to live in the moment. Not to rush & constantly put pressure on yourself to achieve RIGHT NOW, not to think you have to do it all immediately, have everything right now, be everything to everyone all the time.
It’s good to stop, be present, be calm & look after yourself a little more. Life isn’t a race, and once it’s all been and done of course achievement will mark your years, but it’s the memories and happiness that’ll be the most important. Don’t lose track of that on your bid to get to the top, immediately.
Couldn’t have worded it better myself! ❤️ We’re always looking at the future and working to better ourselves, but often at the price of being present. It’s time to pause for a bit and appreciate how far we’ve come. ?
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
I totally agree with all of this. I feel like you should focus on yourself too, and then worry about future things in the future.
http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/
I’ve had a lot going on at the moment in my life and this post was a great reminder to not let myself get caught up in all of that craziness and just to relax and appreciate and soak in each moment, rather than constantly fretting about future things.
Julia // The Sunday Mode
Completely agree with everything you said! I’m definitely guilty of always thinking of the future and forgetting to appreciate the present – I’m such an organiser and planner by nature, which makes me really struggle with enjoying the present. I think I might have to start consciously practising it as it’s becoming a bit of a problem – maybe I’ll start with reading these books, and finally downloading that mindfulness app! xx
Laura // Middle of Adventure
Loved this – I often feel as though I am spending all of my time looking forward at what’s next (or what I want to be next) rather than at what is around me already. Made a decision to find calm more often recently and am hoping it helps me to appreciate the here and now a bit more! Gorgeous photos as always, I love those shoes x
Sophie | Sophar So Good
Oh, I love classic stile! Very beautiful look!❤️
Being in the moment is being in the present, and every moment that you are in is a process that you are in, life is a whole process of assembled moments which when over is your greatest achievement!
Know to recognize this moment, take a breath, acknowledge it and be grateful for it is mindfulness par excellence!
Thank you for writing this moment inspiring post – and reminding us of this all-important now!
With gratitude – Orion
I love when she said that she did not feel beautiful at first. I think as a society more of woc, we have these moments when our hair is in it’s natural form wether braided or kinky. Its then when we feel the most vulnerable. Teaching about how versatile put hair is was a huge step that I am re-teaching my family! What a great family and her daughter is perfect!