“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.”
One of the best, unforeseen consequence of simplifying our lives is it has allowed us to begin living our lives in the present. Eliminating nonessential possessions has freed us from many of the emotions associated with past lives that were keeping us stuck. And clearing our home has allowed us the freedom to shape our lives today around our most important values.
Choosing to live in the past or the future not only robs you of enjoyment today, it robs you of truly living. The only important moment is the present moment. With that goal in mind, consider this list of ten tips below to start living your life in the present:
1. Remove unneeded possessions. Minimalism forces you to live in the present. Removing items associated with past memories or lives frees us up to stop living in the past and start living in the present.
2. Smile. Each day is full of endless possibilities! Start it with a smile. You are in control of your attitude every morning, keep it optimistic and expectant.
3. Fully appreciate the moments of today. Soak in as much of today as you possibly can – the sights, the sounds, the smells, the emotions, the triumph, and the sorrow.
4. Forgive past hurts. If you are harboring resentment towards another human being because of past hurts, choose to forgive and move on. The harm was their fault. But allowing it to impact your mood today is yours.
5. Love your job. If you just “survive” the workweek constantly waiting for the next weekend “to get here,” you are wasting 71% of your life (5 out of 7 days). there are two solutions: 1) find a new job that you actually enjoy (it’s out there), or 2) find something that you appreciate about your current career and focus on that rather than the negatives.
6. Dream about the future, but work hard today. Dream big. Set goals and plans for the future. But working hard today is always the first step towards realizing your dreams tomorrow. Don’t allow dreaming about tomorrow to replace living in today.
7. Don’t dwell on past accomplishments. If you are still talking about what you did yesterday, you haven’t done much today.
8. Stop worrying. You can’t fully appreciate today if you worry too much about tomorrow. Realize that tomorrow is going to happen whether you worry about it or not. And since worry has never accomplished anything for anybody, redirect your mental energy elsewhere.
9. Think beyond old solutions to problems. Our world is changing so fast that most of yesterday’s solutions are no longer the right answers today. Don’t get locked into a “but that’s how we’ve always done it” mentality. Yesterday’s solutions are not today’s solutions and they are certainly not tomorrow’s solutions.
10. Conquer addictions. Addictions in your life hold you hostage. They keep you from living a completely free life today. Find some help. Take the steps. And remove their influence over your life.
If you can only live one moment at a time, you might as well make it the present.
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This is one message I try to make my 90 year old mother in law understand. I know it comes with age, but all she thinks about is her past. She doesn’t seem to be engaged with her daily life. I know it’s hard for her with limited physical capabilities, but if she could only see each day a wonderful gift. I hope I will if I reach 90….
very often the ONLY memory elderly folks have is their LONG-TERM memory. Their short-term memory is nearly non existent. WE, as their care advocates, MUST change our expectations of them. They do not live in the same world that we do. We have to educate ourselves about the different types of dementia, and learn how to meet them where they are! NOT the other way around…
Great point, Cindy!
My 91 year old mother recently moved in with me. With the holiday season here, I can almost watch her go back to another time in her life when I turn on old Christmas music. I can tell by the smile on her face that she is 25 years old, again, when Bing is singing “Silver Bells”.
She can’t remember what she ate 2 hours ago, but she can remember every lyric to the song.
Reminiscing is therapeutic in the elderly.
That’s a great post. Appreciate the present and remember to smell the roses along the journey. Don’t be too obsessed with the destination and goals.
Smell the roses! Great hint.
I have you linked in my recent blog about my blogiversary. I used you as a link for people to slow people down and enjoy the present. Good advice you have her, I linked and added to it.
I can personally say, “living in the present moment” has given me a new outlook on life. I have a “new love” for Life, myself, family, friends, and every-walk-of-life.
Living in the “Now” is something that has to be discovered thru self-reflection, contemplation, and a deep yearning to discover the Truth…thru re-identifying who you really are….spiritually.
And, asking yourself? What is it that we have in common with everything in the universe? I believe, only the past, future, and present can be discovered “Now”…Thru a clear mind we can focus on which one gives us the freedom to live…
I have fully discovered this thru my own personal struggles…Being mindful, being fully present invites a higher level of consciousness or thinking to connect us to the real and present “moment”. A place where we can bathe in a state of purity; void of fear, anger, shame, and regret…A place of complete surrender…bliss…knowing we aren’t alone, we are all “One Spirit”….
Namaste….everyone
Power of Now… Eckhart Tolle urged people to to appreciate the present many years ago. Buddha before that, among other wise minds. Maybe we’ll eventually actually do it.
My psychologist regularly talks of mindfulness and how it can help me. However I must say that your No. 4 is a difficult one for me. I doubt that I will ever be in a position to “forgive” the person who inflicted so much pain on me. There are somethings that can never be forgiven.
It’s ok to remember but not dwell on the past hurts. Forgiving is the key it truly eases the pain. Been there.
Living in the moment includes #4 which many find difficult. Forgiveness, like living in the moment, forges a better future. http://killingthebreeze.com/bask-in-the-now/
Not a bad list. I pray every day for a better ability to live in the present.
Item One:
I have five (heh) garden tractors. Today, all but one of them is inoperable for various mechanical reasons! Once, my daughter’s school bus driver asked me, “Why do you have so many tractors?”
The pragmatic answer is that I need one tractor for each implement and I need redundancy, since mechanical things always fail. One can also have a hobby with real mechanical things that cannot be fixed by downloading buggy software from a hacked site. I actually need one more tractor, BTW. In a tip of the hat to the change of seasons, I do put the tiller and the snowblower on the same tractor as appropriate.
Do I live in the past? Not that much. Do I plan for the future? Yep. It’s a matter of hilarity that my redundant systems have been very nearly defeated! But in the future, those tractors will all be operable again.
Just adding my take. Gotta go order a carb. Online.
reading this really made me smile. thanks!
I smiled from ear to ear when I read your post. Here is why, I see where you are coming from, you put it so plain and simple! I am so tired of those that say I live in the past. Have they ever stopped to think, what they call living in the future, is them sweeping under the carpet things they choose not to deal with or grow from (their past). I reflect on the past for many reasons, but I also live in the present in so many other ways. We all live life the way it feels right for us! So, please stop the judging folks on whether someone is living in the present or the past. Just be thankful they’re alive and living, because death is around each of our corners ….
Yes, they’re great suggestions. But many of them are easier said than done.
Thank you very much, it was such a great article. Last night one of my friends told me that ” you are not living in the moment “. This made me curious to find out about it as he mentioned some examples. Basically, I’m living in the future. I can’t remember what happened in the past, for instance, where i bought my shirt or when i meet my girlfriend first, what we talked about when we went to … restaurant last week and etc. My friend said because I’m worry about the future all the time i can’t remember the past well as i didn’t live in that moments! Enjoyment in my life has reduced alot, however, I always studied and worked hard. I achieved many goals in my life but i haven’t enjoyed them. Recently I’ve become hating myself and so disappointed because i think i couldn’t do well in my life and I’ll never reach the dreams i had in the past. Please some help me with this. ….
many thanks
Wow Foad, you sound just like me, even down to how I found this post. I think some of it is being a perfectionist, to where even if you do accomplish a goal, it couldve always been done better so you don’t feel satisfied. First I’d say congratulate yourself on both setting goals as well as taking the actions to complete them, not everyone can do this. Second is try looking at goals that are going to benefit you in life in a better way ( there are lots on this site ), otherwise maybe they are not worth completing, maybe they just keep you busy. Busy is a form of lazy and it very different from being productive. Productive is accomplishing something beneficial in your own or someone else’s life ( which can be beneficial to you as well ). Hope I helped a little. Keep trying for the present!
THANK YOU for these tips, just what I needed to start my week!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR POST, very important steps for someone who has challenges with living I TODAY.
Excellent Post. Following these tips can make one’s life happy. Living in the Present Moment can bring fruits for future. But mourning about the past will do harm for future. I have been going through many articles like this and trying to change my mind. I am seeing some improvement in me.
I had started to keep my awareness completely hear and now. If any thought comes to my mind I allow it to come and leave it without judgement that way I am trying to change my mind. It is true that living in present will improve mental power and can relieve anxiety in any situation.
Really It’s a great post, and it’s helpful me to………..
Hi there,
Great article – these are all very inspirational! We recently posted a blog about 5 tips to live a great life and would like to add to the conversation:
http://www.chiropractordrummoyne.com.au/2015/10/06/5-tips-to-live-a-great-life/
Regards
Good article, you said: 1. Remove unneeded possessions,,, Removing items associated with past,,frees us up to stop living in the past,,,
So true, I used to be a part time pro photographer who shot mainly film, I still have old film darkroom/camera equipment that is now useless that I hang on to for a memory. Actually causes sadness of my earlier life.
Also, holidays are sad too, remembering passed away relatives, large family gatherings which are down to a few people now.
As the time pass people think of that time which recently passed and then think of the result in future but my suggestion is like if we are in the journey through trains, bus or bike we can’t notice thinks which are closer for a specific time but when there comes Mountains we could easily go through it because we get time to do so…
Therefore one should live in present so that to built a goal which could be soo big enough that it will last long after one’s presence… Which could be seen endlessly..
For me present is like
Life Has always two sides and living beings have to decide which path they have to follow present or future but it is impossible to go through both or one of them so live in the present because it is the best way to be made….. And to live
The basic way to live
is
Appreciate the Past
Live in Present
And
Welcome the future
Golden rule for me
Hi my names Simon I’ve struggled with drug addiction for more than 20 years until recently when I read a book called the power of Now which opened my eyes and I started putting it into practice,not easy at first to grasp the concept but read it three times over for it to really understand it. We can only be truly happy by living in the present moment there is no other time than the now.
Simon, Power of Now is a great book. I am smiling.
Why would I wanna live in the present when you can’t eat what you want, can’t smoke, can’t do anything.
To live in present is not an easy job specially for one who is living same life everyday same food everyday no friends no outing nothing new or courageous
Well bit only a hope n strong will power to change the mind n soul can bring change
It’s not easy when u lost ur love ur family ur friends
Well God bless us all
I have felt the same way as you Noor. It’s not easy but
each morning I wake up I do something different. I am here for
a reason yes my loved one’s may have passed away along with
many friends and family member . I try not to focus on them
Because it will make me sad so I smile and say I am enough!
We live life in dreams of love
What is we are that truth above
Not what was, as it may seem
Love life here now and live the dream
Great advice! The trick is staying focused! If we can concur that we’ve got it made! Working on it!
M. Bond ????
Thanks so much for this post. It really helped me emotionally especially in my love life. When my bf said this I thought that was all coupled with different thoughts and advice from people even thou I sort of have a positive side towards it but just couldn’t help but to dwell more on the negative. While trying to deal with the situation I stormed on this link. Read through n saved it on my phone as a reminder every morning. Its been helpful and all I am doing now is living in the present,enjoying,loving and appreciating myself more.
I have realized that I can’t take action yesterday and I can’t take action tomorrow but I can take action today. I recommend literature about the teachings of Gautama “Buddha”. Just my opinion.
Why not dwell or at least remind oneself of past accomplishments from time to time? It promotes self confidence and positivity, especially when feeling insecure and needing strength. Not understanding this one.
This inspired me but depressed me too. I am in a difficult place right now and have issues with most of your points. #1. I am embracing this and requiring it of everyone in my household. #2. Ok with this as happy moments catch me off guard especially around my grandchildren. #3. Have problems with this as the past has such a hold on me. #4. I have wasted the past 14 years unable to forgive or move forward after my divorce. #4. I have no job due to a injury on the job in 2003. #5 & 6. Looking toward the future is impossible. I don’t see a future of possibilities. Can’t work, can’t enjoy anything that I used to enjoy. There is no joy and don’t see any prospects. #6. Past accomplishments are all I have. #8. Don’t really worry. I’m numb. See no future, No worries. #9. Solutions, I dream about them but there’s always an unrealistic theme where someone comes to the rescue #10. Addictions, cigarettes, pain medicine. Working on the first, debating the second.
So, you see, I’m stuck. Waiting for disability to be approved, depending on daughter for support, spend days, weeks in bed sleeping or just starring at walls, try to make myself get up to just move to a living room chair doing more of the same. Daydream about going to sleep and never waking up. Removing myself as a burden for everyone. Don’t worry, I’d never put my family through that. I do read, a lot. Posts like this which helps me focus and see more clearly what’s wrong just can’t see how to fix. Thanks for the article, it’s the first time I’ve put into words and actually written them down. Maybe a journal would be helpful. I’ve always been able to write better to express myself. Good luck in your endeavors and please keep these articles coming. They help me hold on.
Sincerely,
CJ
Get rid of things that remind you of your past relationship. Let those things go by giving them away, selling them, or transforming them into something new. Renew your mind and focus on the good. Create new memories to replace the old. I truly understand your pain. Divorce appears to be more painful than death. Letting go of the past is freeing. Make every effort to turn your pain into something creative and profitable to live out your days joyful and triumphant. Try to get off those pain meds asap as this is most likely an added ingredient to your listlessness. Most of all, seek God to restore You from those hurts. ❤️????????????
Wow.. Almost identical to my life!!
This paragraph is really a pleasant one it assists new net people, who are wishing for blogging.
Great article! I totally agree with you. Like if we want to conquer the anxiety of life we should live in the moment, live in the breath.
This is an inspiration .I like very much.thanks
Being in the moment is an absurd concept. I suppose that if you had a monastic lifestyle where your day is planned for you so that a bell rings to wake you up, another bell for time to eat, and for hours a day blankly staring at a wall or slowly walking from one place to another then being in the now may be somewhat approached. I suppose that such a lifestyle or going on retreats are designed that way. Could you read a book in the now? All the plot, character development and so on would not exist, only the word you were reading, if that. The idea that I started this comment calling being in the now absurd would have been lost to you if you were reading this in the now and any negative reactions to that statement also… gone.
Of course one could say well when I remember something that I am remembering it now and when I write a grocery list for the future use I am doing that in the now also. Of course that means there is no thought action or observation that is not in the now.
What I am guessing people mean by being in the now is to have the focus of attention on the senses, the stream of information from the nervous system from causes outside the body or internally, not from memory or emotions. Even there I doubt this would be a better state of awareness than having the full benefit of associations of memory and emotions, sort of like watching a movie with the sound off.
Taking our lives personally, obsessive dwelling on problems that have no immediate consequence should probably be avoided if possible. Spending time watching you breathing may be some kind of answer, but so would taking a narcotic.
Good article and advice.
I was consumed by genealogy research. I felt I was dwelling in the past constantly thinking about dead relatives I nver met. I found myself looking back… literally… all day long!
see we are three in home . My daughter never spend time with me. Even my hubbi. always i am in frustration, because there is no value for the truth.. lot of malpractice in my work place . how to be happy
Really, REALLY needed this inspiration today! Thank you!
So when you say “past lives” it sure can look like you’re talking about reincarnation. . .