“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.” - Buddha
One of the best, unforeseen consequences of simplifying our lives is that it has allowed us to begin living our lives in the present. Eliminating nonessential possessions freed us from many of the emotions associated with past lives that were keeping us stuck there. 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Don’t dwell on past accomplishments. If you are still talking about what you did yesterday, you haven’t done much today.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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…
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
You know there’s an interesting connection between #5 and 8. Whether we’re distressing over our job or worrying about the future or the past, we’re wasting an even greater percentage of your life.
I agree that we should always make a conscious decision to appreciate the present. We can never get this exact moment back again. Every moment of every day is different in it’s own unique way!
Great post, thanks for sharing!
Great post, Joshua. Mindfullness is the key to so much in this life. One mantra that I try to live by — and with three small kids it takes on new meaning — is “Allow what is to be”. When you go with the flow you can’t help but be present and mindful!
Be well!
That comment about hating your job is wasting 71% of your life is a real eye opener. I choose to take on a lower paying job that makes me happy rather than have a higher paying job that will cause more stress. I think it actually balances out because if a higher paying job causes higher stress than I’ll be spending more money on unnecessary trying to soothe myself anyway. My career goal is to simply avoid “Sunday Night Syndrome”, meaning as soon as I start dreading my job, I find a new one!
Great post!
Those points clearly state what everyone should be doing.
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10. conquer addictions. addictions in your life hold you hostage. they keep you from living a completely free life today.
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this really resonates with me.
when i am stuck in my stupid addictions, i easily get overwhelmed and forget to enjoy living in the present.
i am very working on my addictions.
i am trying to be more content minded, get rid of my unnecessary desires and focus living in the moment, simply, happily
valuable post, joshua~
I love #5. As someone who worked my way out of one career that I enjoyed but really didn’t fit our family’s needs (transcribing with 4 little ones underfoot isn’t exactly ideal), to one that I am passionate about and fits our lifestyle perfectly (blogging and consulting), I am also passionate about encouraging others to find work they love. When you’re not able to draw a line between work and fun, you know you’ve found it!
Great post. I just found your blog and I have been enjoying your insight.
live in the present moment is the only way.
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