“People sacrifice the present for the future. But life is available only in the present. That is why we should walk in such a way that every step can bring us to the here and the now” – Thich Nhat Hanh
So many of us seem to be in a constant struggle to enjoy this moment.
We look ahead. Planning for the day when we’ll have more money in our bank accounts. Looking ahead to the weekend. Looking ahead to our one holiday of the year. Looking ahead to looking ahead.
This leads us down the path of deferred living. We’re never quite where we are because we’re always looking ahead. Always looking to the horizon.
Focus on the Now
If we instead focus on the now perhaps there’s more beauty than we imagined in this moment right in front of us. Maybe if we made the time to take in the view, smell the flowers a little we’d realise we have so much to be grateful for right here.
It’s easy to lose sight of all we have in our lives. It’s easy to lose sight of the many good things we already have as we get caught up in the hamster wheel of more and keeping up with others.
Forget comparisons. Find your own version of what’s right for you.
If we truly struggle to find any joy in this moment right now then perhaps we are in the wrong place. On the wrong path. A square peg in a round hole. Time to change track. Time to try a different route.
Looking and planning ahead has its place but let’s not wish our lives away.
Enjoy this moment instead for all it is.