Over the years I have struggled with the idea of living in the moment. I spent years of my life filled with anxiety and worry about the next thing. What am I going to do tomorrow? Where will I be in the next year? All to realise that having this mentality wasn’t doing my own mental health any good. I’ve come to realise as I’ve grown older, that alot of people live this way. We don’t appreciate the stage we are at in life, and are constantly waiting for the next ‘thing’. It’s a sad reality but one society has shaped us into.
As people I think we have forgotten how to really be present and focus on living in the moment. We are so glued to our phones and electrical devices, that we miss out on so much of our real lives for our virtual ones. It’s a sad reality, but one we must be careful not to let consume us. I myself have fallen into this trap many times. I am addicted to my phone, but I know when I need to take a step back and ground myself in the life I’m living.
Because I know I’m guilty of not being present enough, I wanted to share some tips and advice on how we can all improve in this area of our lives. When I write this I’m not only writing to you the reader, but myself too. These are the things I know I need to work on, to improve my attitude towards living in the moment.
A CHILD LIKE MENTALITY
Have you ever heard the phrase ‘a child like mentality’? I have heard this phrase so many times in my life, both in good and bad contexts. The reason I mention a child like mentality on this particular topic because I think reverting back to our child like mentality as an adult is a good thing.
I watch my two young nephews and I see the excitement they have for life. I see how joyful they get when they see something they like on tv. Or when they play outside and chase birds and splash in puddles. They aren’t worrying about the next thing they have to do that day. They’re enjoying the moment for what it is. We grow up and become stressed by work, bills and having our own lives to run. And we forget how important it is to hold onto our child like ways. Because, for alot of people they were the happiest moments of our lives and we didn’t even know it.
I think if we all try to regain our own child like mentality, we will all become happier and become more content in our present moments.
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PUT DOWN THE TECHNOLOGY…SOMETIMES
I am very aware that we live in 2022 and our world revolves around technology now. Long gone are the days where you could go one day without using some sort of electrical device. Which is why I added the ‘sometimes’ into the title of this next part of the post.
Sometimes its good to leave your phone at home when you go for a walk. Or instead of spending all evening looking at the tv, to read a book. Making those small conscious decisions to leave the devices switched off or at home can really help you to remember to be present in that moment.
Is there anything worse than having a conversation with someone and they are glued to their mobile phone screen? Your real life is in-front of you, its not on a small screen in your hand. Making a conscious effort to remember that living in the moment is more important than that text someone sent you will change your life.
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BECOME CONTENT IN YOUR CIRCUMSTANCE
I realise that this part of the post is going to be a tough one, especially if your current circumstance isn’t a pleasant one. So, I’ll be tackling this part with as much caution and respect as I can.
I remember when I was going through the worst time of my life, I was crippled with anxiety and depression and I could not shake it. I was in a job I hated, and I saw no way out. At the time I wasn’t living in the moment, I wanted out of the place I was at and would dream about a time where I wasn’t feeling so low. Being content in the hard times isn’t something I felt I could do at the time. But everyday I would pray and try to uplift myself to get to a better place. Being content during something awful and hard takes alot of strength. Sometimes it can be done, sometimes it cant. You can use your common sense here and know which situations this can and cant apply to.
Being content in your circumstance really helps you to remain present in where you are at the time. It helps to ground you. It can actually help to heal you too. I remember always wishing for the weekend, and then when the weekend came all I could think about was work again on Monday. That didn’t help me, it made things worse.
I learnt to become content and happy in the present moment. I found small joys everyday, even if it was just walking my dog at the time. Those small things are the things that mean the most.
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CHOOSE TO TAKE THE POWER BACK
Finally, I wanted to end on a positive and uplifting note. Choosing to take the power back over your mind, your circumstance and the way society tells us to live is one of the best things you can do. In a world full of people living like robots, numb to the world around them, choose happiness and living in the moment. Take charge of your life and put down your phone. Put your walking shoes on and get outside. Bask in the sunshine and run around fields. Take the power of your life back and begin to live. And see how much happier you will become.
It’s difficult to stay present in a world that constantly tells us we need to be more, do more, have more. I find it comes down to knowing your values and practising gratitude for simple things.
I agree, it really does. We always have to stay true to ourselves
The general attitude with phones is that it is a trait of the young, but this has gradually changed. I spend my break times at work with a couple of middle-aged women who as soon as they sit down are scrolling through the internet, looking at silly video’s etc. Like programmed robots. I was driving along earlier today and I saw a girl around 22 with her phone horizontal to her mouth talking to someone, not looking around her, and a few feet away a woman in her 40’s was doing the same.
You are absolutely right, and just a few minutes a day taking in even the seemingly mundane surroundings can help see a new perspective.
A very good post Olivia. Absolutely true that in the year 2022 all humans now rely on data and technology for day to day stuff such as checking emails, social media for chats and music via Bluetooth but even though we are surrounded by this we must get back to traditional methods such as reading books and going outside to just enjoy the day as we live in the moment👏
Olivia, I really enjoyed reading this post. I wrote a similar article last year where I spent a month away from social media and you are absolutely right. People are more present with their lives when they aren’t glued to their phones.
I hope that more people stumble upon your article and attempt to see the benefits of living in the present moment of their lives.
I have a super difficult time with this because I have so much on my plate right now. Especially with the new course I’m launching, something’s always on my mind. I’m hoping to be able to take a bit of a vacation in a few weeks time and just relax 🙂. Thanks for the tips!
I have been trying to live in the moment but these last few months, it hasn’t been easy. However, your tips seem quite helpful, and I’ll try to implement them. Great post-Olivia.
It can be such a challenging thing to do. I wish you all the best!
Yes it’s so hard to stay in present in the moment, it’s something actually that takes practice and effort in itself! And non-judgemental acceptance for ourselves when we slip of course 😂
I loved this article thanks, I can relate.
This is the most inspirational thing I’ve read this week
Even though it’s not as easy as it sounds, I’m willing to try it out
I’ve been wanting to get out of my head and live in the moment, but sometimes we just get too caught up
Thank you, I really like your post ☺️
I am so glad you found this post at the right time! 🙂
Love this post! Very uplifting. I sent it to my friends and family. Great reminders!
Thank you so much! I hope they enjoy it!