IN THE PRESENT

"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly."
-Siddhartha Gautama

We spend so much of our lives focusing and stressing on the past and the future that we tend to forget about the present. How can we grow and become better individuals if we only focus on what happened yesterday, or if we direct all of attention on planning for the future?

Looking back at on all of the experiences and adventures we have encountered in our lives, we must feel fortunate for each and every one. They have helped mold and shape us into who we are today and the paths we inevitably follow. As much as it is helpful to have your past guide you to make decisions about the future, so many of us dwell on what has happened in our past. It can be difficult to let certain things, situations and moments go, however, it becomes be extremely difficult to move forward and live in the present.

Furthermore, this can also be said about focusing so much on the future. Planning is one the keys to success. Although, when there is so much of an emphasis and focus on looking down the road, the present and your surroundings is lost. We need to pay attention to how being aware and in the moment affects us now more than ever, but will also affect us down the road.

Next time you get caught up thinking about what you could have done, should have done, or what you need to do, and what you should do, take a deep breath in, and open your eyes because you don’t want life just pass you by.

- Nina Mathers