Being present is something that's so hard to do, yet it's gained a lot of popularity lately. Living in the here and now is so important, but it's kind of become a fad, making it seem like it should be easy, or that everything will work out perfectly if you just do it, because so many other people are talking about it.
It's like baggy jogger pants--they became so popular, so surely they must be super flattering on everyone, right?
Nope.
Living in the here and now is not easy. Being present without worrying about everything that needs to get done is actually really hard. Contrary to the popularity of the subject, choosing to live in the present will not take care of all your problems. Everything will not magically fall into place and get done because you choose to put down your cell phone and just live in the moment.
Don't be in the here and now because it's perfect, be in the here and now because it's imperfect. It's full of imperfection--of unfinished to-do lists, of missed deadlines, of messy kitchens--but that's what makes it real. That's what makes it life. A life full of perfectly curated moments wouldn't be a life at all. The imperfection is what makes you really, truly alive.
Be present because it's the best time. Because it's the worst time. Because you are young, because you are old, because you are alive. Because you are here, and that's real.
Your kitchen will still be messy. Your deadlines will still be looming. But if you live here, today, exactly where you are, you will be living your life. You will be getting the most out of your life. It won't be anywhere close to perfect, but it will be real. And that's almost even more beautiful, yes?
Do you struggle with living in the here and now?
