I’ve been in planning mode for the last few days. When that happens I tend to forget about living in the moment and just hunker down and try to figure out what to do next. Part of it stems from sheer overwhelm from the number of projects and ideas I have floating around in my head. But another part of it stems from stress and insecurity, worry about the future and how the heck am I going to make enough to pay for all this (whatever this is at the moment).
It’s at this point I really need to remind myself that I should be living in the moment, and not stressing so much about the future or trying to change the past. So that’s what I’m doing today.
Here are five good reasons why we should all be living in the moment…
Reason #1 – Life is too darn short to live anywhere else
It’s probably not politically correct to say, but I’m not getting any younger, and neither are you. Each day only comes once, and what you make of it is up to you. If you spend it all focused on the future it’s just too easy to let the opportunities that lie right in front of you go past without even recognizing them for what they are.
How many doors have you passed by that might have led to awesome experiences because you were too focused on either the past or the future to notice the now?
Reason #2 – You get to be spontaneous and open some of those doorways
You know that saying, “you’re only young once”? Well, it’s true. As I alluded to in the point above, life really is too short to have every minute planned and scheduled. I can honestly say that I think that’s why I have such a hard time getting focused — sometimes I forget to build play time into my schedule.
If you’ve been around here for any length of time at all, you’ll know that my inner child lives pretty close to the surface. I like to play and when I can’t I get very grumpy. Living in the moment allows me to work when the work needs to be done, but also leaves room to set it aside and go out to play when the opportunity presents itself. Whether it’s coffee with a friend, or just a walk in the park and a swing on the swings I much prefer allowing myself the freedom to do that than worrying about whether or not I should be doing it. I guess when it comes right down to it, I’d much rather make memories than money.
Which brings me to my third reason for living in the moment…
3. You get to really know the person in the mirror.
The best thing you can do for yourself is really get to know yourself … what you want, what you need, what’s important to you … not what other people tell you that you should want, need and care about.
Living in the moment allows you the freedom to pay attention to what you really want your life to be like. It may surprise you to see that what you really want is not always what you have planned for.

4. You can let go of your worries just for the moment.
Have you ever noticed that when you spend most of your time planning for the future, you are worrying about things that haven’t even happened yet?
Worrying about the future can lead to stress, which leads to all kinds of nasty things – heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes included. When you live for the moment instead, you can choose to let go of your worries and your stress, just for that moment! Even if you only stop worrying for a minute and then go right back to it, at least you will have had one minute’s contentment and peace.
Try it now. Stop and take a deep breath and feel the stillness when you do. Breathe in all the calm, peaceful energy you can conjure up and don’t let any worries spoil your minute.
When you live in the moment, you can choose peace or stress every sixty seconds. Which will you choose?
5. There’s actually room for family and friends here.
When you’re stressed and stuck worrying about what has happened in the past, or what will happen in the future, there’s really no room for the people in your life now. You might have a life but you sure don’t get to live it.
Making the choice to live more fully in the moment allows room for your partner, your children, your family and your friends to be a part of your life. Not only do you get to have a life, you get to live that life, to spend time with the people that are important to you. Whether that means going on vacation, or just going for a walk in the park together is your choice.
Learning to live in the moment is one of the nicest things we can do for ourselves. Regardless of your reason, you won’t be sorry that you made the choice. Your friends, family, and most importantly your inner self will thank you.
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Once again you have written a post that seems to have been written for me. Living in the moment and accepting the wonderful gifts that life offers on a daily basis is hard for me. I tend to be too structured and focused on working to achieve future goals to enjoy the wonder of the “now”. Thanks for the reminder.
You are very welcome, Meredith. Glad you enjoyed the post, and thank you for taking the time to comment.
Hi Ruth,
Thank you for this post. Reminding me to live now this minute and not stressing or worrying about what might come in the future. Letting family and friends in. Taking some time for yourself. Great series!
You’re most welcome Kathryn. It can be easier said than done, but letting family and friends in, and especially taking good care of yourself are so important. Sending good thoughts your way.