The concepts of living in the moment and appreciating the uniqueness of now can sound too weirdly complicated to be a good fit in our aggressively busy world. Society pushes us into feeling that we must do EVERYTHING, and when even that isn’t enough, we’re urged to multitask so we can do even more.

I remember living like that. I remember always rushing… hurrying to get something done, hurrying to meet some obligation or another. Living in the moment wasn’t something I even thought about… that didn’t happen until after my back injury and those long months of trying to recover.

At first in those early days and weeks I was just waiting for time to pass and for my life to be normal again. It took me a long while to admit that the pain and limitations I was experiencing WERE my life now. It was then that I realized I had a very real choice. I could just wait for time to pass… feel sorry for myself and grieve for the life I had lost and the things I couldn’t do any more… OR I could learn to appreciate what was still good about my life and make an effort to change my focus to the things I still could do.

That was a real turning point.

I’m making this sound easier than it actually was, but amazingly I slowly began to realize that life was still good. My physical condition didn’t improve for a very long time, but my thoughts and emotions did. Eventually… and this was a huge surprise to me… I realized that even on the very worst, most painful days, there was always something in my life to feel genuinely happy about.

I just had to look for it.

And that is what living in the moment means to me. Nothing weird or complicated… just the simple process of leaving yourself open to truly appreciate what is already there in your life.

Written by Shirley Filed Under: Voluntary Simplicity & Simple Living


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Comments

Vangie

I have printed this out for my best friend. She suffered a stroke 2 years ago. She is partially paralyzed on her left side and she is very depressed. After reading your article I realized that she has never reached the turning point you did. I want to help her so badly and I think your words will be very inspiring to her and help her to look to the future and her blessings. Thank you so much.

Teresa W.

Blessing to you my friend. As always you are an inspiration.

Debs

I just found your blog today and I am so impressed. I have been reading here since late morning. It is now time for dinner and my family is waiting. I can’t stop reading!!!

Pat

Another great post – you have given me so much to think about. Wishing you the best. I just love your blog.

Barbara

I’m going through the same transition this year. So many lost opportunities from the past that I must simply let go of and look to the future.

Jane

I love this … I really have always tried to live my life with no regrets .. but I have had a couple of things happen recently that really made me rethink my life. I don’t want to always be looking back saying I wish I had done this, or I wish I hadn’t wished my life away! I’m really trying to live in the moment, and be thankful for what I have! Like you said, easier said than done! :)

AMF

reading this was such a really big aha moment for me… thanks for sharing this

Marybeth

If we focus on what we DO have, rather than what we DON’T have, life gets a whole lot better! Appreciate the little things, they will add up to big things in your life.

S.D.

Your words speak to me as well. I have to stay focused on the now and am so grateful for all, especially friends.
Have a good day!