‘live present’ and experience the difference it makes

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‘live present’. Am I doing that today? Are you?

How many of us keep our mind, as well as our feet, firmly planted in the now? If you’re anything like me, it’s a grand plan that often ends up being just that: a plan. The busyness of life takes over.

“Yes, yes yes. Too much to do in too little time” I hear you say.

When you live in the present, you keep your focus on experiencing what’s happening right now. Not on what’s happened in the past or what you’re looking forward to in the future.

Doing this one thing can have a real impact on your world. It can help you be happier, healthier and more engaged in life. At home, at work, with family and friends – and in your alone moments. It also opens up the opportunity for the greatest choice in how you live, for the longest possible time.

“What is she talking about?” I hear you say.

I’m talking about reducing the risk of a health catastrophe happening in your life that could forever change your choices. Choices that may involve what you do and how; what you can and can’t eat; or even where you live and who with.

“It won’t happen to me. These things happen to other people.” Well in case you haven’t realised it, to someone else you are the other person!

So how do you live present?

There are no magical solutions and there’s no crystal ball. I’m not perfect and I don’t have all the answers. I simply combine my training, work and life experience, with a philosophy I’ve followed for as long as I can remember…

Live in today, with a plan for tomorrow – knowing all you ever have is this moment” – Anne Whatley-Dale

Oh, before you ask, and I know you will, my life is far from tranquil. I’m a single mother to a teenage son, run a business, am a budding author, have too many projects on the go. I’m a former age group triathlete still in training for my next sporting adventures. I’m unsure where the hours go each day, especially some days. And I love those times where I’m fully engaged in the present and everything flows.

So no, I don’t always get it right. Each day takes a morning refocus. It’s remembering the first half hour or so of the day is the most important and doing my best to use it wisely. Quiet time and exercise is what works for me. What works for you?

I want to keep this short and sweet, so let me leave you with the words of Alice Morse Earle:

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.”

Until next time…

Anne