Do something that allows you to be in the present, do less
“The grass is greener on the other side.”
Ever heard that one before?
#storyofmylife
If you’re human, chances are you’ve thought a time or two about “what’s next.”
After all, society has conditioned us to think that way.
In kindergarten, adults ask you what you want to be when you grow up.
Come 1st grade, you wonder if and when telling time on a clock and subtraction will ever get easier.
In the 3rd grade, you’ve mastered time telling and subtracting, and now, wonder if and when multiplication will get easier, and when boys won’t have cooties.
In the 6th grade, boys definitely no longer have cooties and you’re already read to be in 8th grade so you are no longer the “new kid” in middle school.
Eighth grade comes around, and you cannot wait for high-school, until…you are a freshman and back on the low-end of the totem poll.
Sophomore year, you cannot wait for Sweet 16—a license to drive—and it seems like you have to wait FOREVER until that magic day happens.
By junior year, every adult is asking you again what you are going to be when you grow up, and you just know life will be great when you go to college.
Senior year is full of great memories, while pining for newfound freedom come freshman year of college.
And once college begins, it’s all about what you are going to do for work AFTER college is over (plus marriage, plus babies, plus…like the rest of your life).
Blink: College is over and you’re in your first job, perhaps still wishing for Prince Charming to come on his white horse, and still wondering what you’re going to be when you grow up (you know this job is just an entry position).
The next job comes around, and you think about what’s next around the corner…
And these are just years we are talking here—not to mention the summer vacations, Christmas breaks, next big vacation, next meeting, next event, next to-do that you are constantly thinking about all the time (“the next big thing”).
Frankly, we DON’T live in the present.
It doesn’t feel natural.
So when it comes to “being present” and “in the moment,” no wonder that’s so gosh darn hard to do.
What does “being present” even really mean?
Today, your #thrivelife project on Day 14 is to do just that: Figure it out and be present.
Pick one activity, daily to-do, moment this day to actively practice the art of presence—being fully, authentically, 110% “all in” to where you are…today.
Need some inspiration?
Check it out:
- Stop and smell the roses
- Be fully engaged in the conversation you are in—now—not thinking about the next thing
- Pretty day outside? Get after it! Rainy? Curl up on your couch with a good book. Cold? Drink warmed bone broth, hot tea, or make some chili.
- Burst of energy? Go on a run. Jump. Skip. Dance. Go live big.
- Surprise bonus of cash or extra money in your paycheck? Splurge. Save. Pa it forward.
- Go with your first instinct.
- Watch a funny TV show or movie. Laugh.
- Invite friends over for a board game night or dinner—and put the phones away.
- Unplug when you’re having a conversation.
- Don’t check social media…for one day.
- Do something spontaneous.
- Say “yes” if you typically say “no” or say “no” if you always say “yes”—listen to your heart.
- Do something you love.
- Do something that scares you—but that you’ve wanted to do.
- Do less so you can be more (present)
- Give a friend or loved one your undivided attention
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