Earlier this week I wrote about living in the present and why it’s life changing. For most people, hearing and reading about concepts like this makes them think, but they never put it into action.
It’s one of those “oh that’s an interesting idea, I wonder how…”
Cue distraction.
The moment has gone and maybe they’ll randomly think about the article again on their work commute in two weeks. Maybe.
Having tangible ways to live out the things we read these days is so important. So I’m going to give you 5 ways to start living in the present.
This may seem like another one of those “how to be better at life” lists. You know, the “5 ways to be successful” or “7 ways to lose weight fast.”
It is, and it isn’t.
Let me tell you why.
Every single person who has accomplished something in their life has had to work at it. There’s no easy list to follow. It takes time and effort.
And it’s a choice.
The ideas I have for living in the present are challenging. Why? Because they will take discipline and you will need to give yourself grace. But they are possible, and they will lead to a life that is more satisfying, more content, and more thoughtful.
Getting ahead isn’t everything.
I know that’s what the world might be telling you.
It’s saying the fast-paced, side hustle, burn the candle at both ends is the only way to do it. It’s saying you need to work until 2am every night because the release of your next project is more important then dinner with your kids or having a conversation with your neighbor.
If you haven’t heard this already, let me be the first to remind you that that living your life is always the most important. You only have one life to live. Though that might be a cliché, if you really pause to think about it, what do you feel?
Let me say it again, you only have one life to live.
So what would it look like for you to start living in the present everyday?
You might be thinking, that sounds great but how do I do that? The lists, the deadlines, the work, they’re always going to be there.
You’re right, they are.
But you have to make a choice about what you’re going to do with those lists, those deadlines, the work. How much are you going to let them occupy your time?
Let’s start with 5 ways to practice intentional living so that you can spend more time enjoying your life, and less time feeling controlled by it.
5 ways to start living in the present
1. Start your day intentionally.
Create a morning routine. Enjoy that first hour of the day by drinking your coffee in peace. Read or write, take a walk, exercise. Whatever it is, if you start your day intentionally, you will find that you are more productive, more content with your work, and less hurried.
2. Have a process for your out of nowhere thoughts
For those pesky moments when your brain won’t shut off, don’t push away those thoughts. We all have them. But have a process for them. Keep a notepad by your bed or on the fridge to write down something to add to your grocery list or a reminder to call your friend. It both gets the thought out of your mind, and makes sure you remember it so you can continue with what you are doing and come back to it later.
3. Take control of your technology
Turn off your phone or put it in another room at a certain time every night. Constantly being “available” to the world makes you on call to anyone at anytime. Controlling your time with your technology will help you be more in the moment. You’ll spend less time “waiting” for sometime to text you and more time living in the present.
4. Reflect on your day
I often find that the end of the day can get away from me. By the time the dishes are done and my daughter is in bed, I’m wiped and just want to turn on Netflix. Maybe you feel the same, but before you turn on the TV, what if you spend 5 minutes reflecting? Not only is this a good memory exercise for your brain, but it also allows you to think about how you moved throughout your day. What was good about your day? How do you want to be more intentional tomorrow? This process allows you to fully think through your thoughts rather than have them come up during a hurried commute or while trying to get the kids out the door to school.
5. Do something that fulfills you
Play music, write, be creative, have a glass of wine and read, take a bath. Whatever it is, it should be something that allows you to let go of the world around you. Focus on the sound of the music, the feel of the paintbrush or pen in your hand, the taste of the wine, or the warmth of the water.
I truly believe in living presently. The days when I follow my own advice (because let’s be real, I’m writing this for me as much as I’m writing it for you) are some of my best days. They’re the days I want to live over and over.
I know not everyday is going to be perfect.
In fact, there are going to be some days that we don’t want to remember, and that’s ok.
What I want you to do is try taking in the world around you a little bit more (watch Matt Killingsworth’s TedTalk about why we should live in the moment).
Notice that person on your commute who gets on at the same stop everyday. Say hello to the grocery clerk and ask them how their day is going. Wave at your neighbor as you go into your apartment.
Be aware of your life.
You just might find that you feel more content, more peaceful, and more joyful.
Let me know how you are living in the present. Share this post with anyone who might need some ideas on how to slow down and live in moment.
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