Live in The Here and Now…

As the ubiquitous quote by Jim Elliot says, “wherever you are, be there.” I agree. I really do. I agree that we should live our lives in the present- the here and now, if you will. It’s important to breathe in fresh air, live in the moment, and enjoy life as you live it.  And although this is a wonderful perspective, I’d be telling a tall tale lie if I said that’s how I actually lived my life – quite the contrary, actually. Ever since (well…basically) forever, I’ve been one of those people who’s always thinking ahead- of tomorrow, of the next step, and the big picture.  I’m a planner; I like to be organized and prepared. And most importantly, if I’m 100% honest with you and myself, I like to be in control. Please tell me I’m not alone on this one?!

When thinking back on my life thus far, it’s clear how my future-oriented mindset has driven so many of my decisions that have led me to where I am now. And since I like to be prepared and “in control”, it’s only natural that I’d also be relatively risk adverse – how else could I “ensure” that everything would turn out as predicted? So this is where my actions illustrate my natural tendency to take the “safe road” – the more predictable and less risky path. We can start with my choice in career path (accounting) – how much more risk adverse of a career could you choose?! And then comes the fact that I’ve never really lived too far away from home; it’s always nice to know that my parents are within a one hour drive (or flight – when I lived in Austin), if anything were to happen. I think it’s safe to say that starting this blog is probably the “craziest” most “out there” thing I’ve ever done!

Anyway…taking all the above into consideration, you can probably see why “living in the moment” isn’t something that comes easily to me. The only times I’m really able to feel that liberating sense of joy is when I’ve got everything else in control and/or I’ve prepared to spend the day “in the moment”…or know I can do a,b,&c at another time – if that makes sense? (oh, and a glass of wine never hurts!)

I’ve been trying to live more freely and carelessly, but it’s hard! I know that sounds utterly ridiculous coming from a 23-year-old girl without kids, without a mortgage (etc!), but I’m serious! Maybe I make life more complicated than it needs to be (ok, actually, this is a definite DUH)…or maybe it’s just the way my brain ticks. But whatever the reason, I like to stay ahead and on top of things – it’s just how I work. I’ve tried conducting my life in a different manner and with a different strategy/tactic, but it just doesn’t work for me. I am the way that I am and there’s not much I can do about it other than embrace it! I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s like this though, right? How do you facilitate living in the moment?

For me, I’ve found that if I stay “ahead” and on top of the important things, then I’m able to be spontaneous every now and then, and actually let myself “go” – to enjoy the present without any thought of tomorrow.

typogrpahy by brightontheday; see more quotes by btd here