This moment is the only time there is, ever. It seems like there is a future and a past, at least it does to me. But when am I having thoughts and feelings about the future or the past? It can only be in the present moment.
Are my thoughts about the future or the past actually the future or the past? The future isn’t here yet, and the only thing that can be true about the past is that it is irretrievably gone.
When I am caught up with overthinking about the future (worry, anxiety, stress) or ruminating about the past, (depression, despair, apathy), I am disengaged from the present moment where life is happening.
The present is the only time I can take actions that are in support of my life values, (who I want to be and stand for).
Am I willing to sacrifice this very moment I am alive in order to attempt to exert control over what is truly not in my control, (the future, the past, other people, the countless thoughts and feelings that arise each day, the weather, aging, outcomes rather than the process in accomplishing goals)?
Put simply, life is for living. Getting into alignment with how life unfolds, moment to moment, we can start to see the value of focusing on the here and now. Vitality, and engagement can be found in only one place: here and now.
Here’s a good strategy to fritter away your life:
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Avoid taking time to reflect upon what really matters to you.
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Look to others to determine your value and worth.
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Devote the majority of your time to thinking about your life rather than actually living your life.
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Blame other people for your inability to do what you really want to do.
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Make a few attempts to accomplish something and then give up, telling yourself you don’t have what it takes.
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Spend your time trying to avoid or escape bad feelings, and do things that might provide short term relief but increase long term problems, (drink a lot of alcohol, watch a lot of television, scroll through social media aimlessly for hours, be socially withdrawn, overeat and choose high calorie, low nutrient food, overwork, oversleep, to name but a few…there are countless other options).
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Take yourself very seriously.
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Be reactive in dealing with others, easily offended, and take everything other people say or do very personally.
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Hold grudges, practice resentment, and be critical of others and yourself.
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Use your time today imagining that someday, when all your problems have been solved, you can enjoy your life. At the same time you are imagining, take no action in the direction of the life you want to be living.
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BONUS: Live your life as if you can control what other people think, say or do. Pretend that you have control over the past or the future.
