“Be happy in the moment, that’s enough. Each moment is all we need, not more.”

– Mother Teresa

Do you stop to be in the moment? Not many of us do. Life makes us so busy: a busy family life to a filled-to-the-brim working life with project deadlines, responsibilities, and worries about our future survival, financial or otherwise. You may also be rushing from home to school drop-offs to work and vice versa at the end of the day. This may leave you little time to consider the most important person—YOU. Without you, your world would not exist. 

Just pausing for a moment, in this manic life we have created for ourselves, we can do so much more to appreciate the little things that make our lives worthwhile. Simply embracing each moment as it comes creates inner peace, fulfillment, and true happiness. Life's daily work, schedules, and plans become easier as you slow down and create a better experience for your life.

This week, let’s explore why living in the moment is so important, what it can help us achieve, and how we can cultivate it in our daily lives.

Why Living in the Moment Matters

Dwelling on the past or always anticipating the ideal future can cause us to miss out on life itself. If you think about it, the present is the only place where real experiences, joy, and growth can happen. So, let's consider this and see why living in the moment is so crucial to every one of us:

⭐️ Reduced Stress & Anxiety: Focusing on the now helps quiet overthinking and worry.

💎 When you are always focused on things to come or achieve, life becomes worrying and much time is spent thinking about the future and why you are not there yet.

⭐️ Increased Gratitude: Appreciating what we have leads to more contentment.

💎 When you start noticing and appreciating the little things you have achieved or live with daily, you become more content with what you have rather than focusing on what you don't.

⭐️ Stronger Relationships: Being present strengthens our connections with others. 

💎  By spending time in the now, we start appreciating the relationships we have at present, and not dwelling on what we could have in the future. Do the people around you in the present moment not deserve your attention?

⭐️ Greater Clarity & Focus: When we engage fully, we make better decisions.

💎 When your mind is fully present on the task, you develop a better sense of clarity as the focus is on the topic or task at hand.

⭐️ A Deeper Sense of Joy: Happiness comes from appreciating the simple things.

💎 When you start noticing the simple things in life, the fresh scent of the flowers, the leaves moving in the breeze, the laughter within your household - joy emerges and happiness starts to become an essential part of daily living.

Are You Truly Living in the Moment?

If you wish to know if you are truly living in the moment, then ask yourself these questions:

1️⃣ Do you often find yourself lost in thoughts about the past or future?

2️⃣ When was the last time you fully experienced a moment without distractions?

3️⃣ Do you struggle to slow down and appreciate the little things?

If you answered yes to any of these, it may be time to spend some time and energy cultivating more mindfulness and presence in your life.

How to Live in the Moment: Simple Steps to Try Today

1️⃣ Start with Awareness: Stop and breathe. Notice when your mind drifts and gently bring it back to the present. 

2️⃣ Limit Distractions: Put down your phone, step away from screens, and truly engage with your surroundings.

3️⃣ Practice Gratitude: Each day, acknowledge something you are grateful for.  

4️⃣ Engage Your Senses: Focus on what you see, hear, smell, touch, and taste.

5️⃣ Slow Down: Eat your meals mindfully, take deep breaths, and savour experiences. Appreciate the surroundings and the people you share your meal with.

6️⃣ Let Go of Perfection: Accept things as they are instead of worrying about how they “should” be.

Inspiration: Ways to Experience the Present Fully

 There are many ways to experience the present. Some are very good at living in the present, whereas others may need a helping hand. My usual advice GEMS 💎 is shared here as a few ideas.

💎 WALKS IN NATURE: Consider taking a morning walk and notice the details around you. Spend time in nature and observe your surroundings and their nuances.

💎 MINDFUL EATING: Enjoy a meal without distractions—taste every bite. Savour each mouthful.

💎 ENJOY MUSIC: Listen to music with your full attention.

💎 BE FULLY PRESENT WITH OTHERS: Have a deep, uninterrupted conversation with someone. Don't let your mind wander off.

💎 PRACTICE: Try a mindfulness exercise like deep breathing or journaling.

When you take time to be fully present in the moment, you start to find joy in your everyday life. Gratitude develops naturally as you will appreciate what you have instead of wishing for more. You become inspired by the successes of others rather than wanting those successes for yourself. There is a clear difference in these two areas. The first keeps you in the present moment, whereas the second makes you wish for things you do not have and raises anxiety, hopelessness and negativity. Remember that life's joys are not found in more prominent achievements or plans, but in the small and quiet moments we often take for granted. 

I hope today's post inspires you to explore different ways to create balance and joy and cultivate peace with your wants and desires by appreciating and loving what you have.  

🌿 Let’s embrace the present together. 🌿