Do Your Thoughts Distract You from Living and Loving Your Life?

How often do you find yourself in an anxiety tizzy because of something you're worrying about? In fact, you're so upset or anxiety-ridden or regretful that you've forgotten to pay attention to the POTENTIAL for growth, opportunity, and joy that is unfolding at that very moment.

I am a strong believer that each and every moment of our lives is an opportunity - an invitation, a gift, a moment of joy or growth or exploration. Yet, we are often so busy being stuck in our worries or anxieties that we completely miss out on what the present moment is offering us. In other words, when we worry, we are taken out of the present moment and into either replaying past events or having anxiety around future ones.

We forget that the most important moment that exists is the one we are in. The present moment.

There IS a different way to live, a way in which we can really see clearly and honor exactly where we are, and then take advantage and make REAL FORWARD MOVEMENT from the wisdom and invitation of the present moment.

I want to share something personal with you: In the last few weeks, as I have been spending time playing with my six month old daughter, Penina, I have caught myself more than once making plans in my head for my business. I'll notice that I while I'm sitting there on the floor with Penina, I'm eyeing my laptop on the table, wondering if certain emails have come in or thinking about the newsletter article that I want to write. In fact, at moments, I'll actually find myself longing for our babysitter to be there so that I could be working on some business projects.

Well, last week, I was so deep in thought about a future newsletter article, and almost resentful that I couldn't be working on it, that I nearly MISSED ONE OF MY DAUGHTER'S BIG DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES: sitting up on her own without being propped up by anyone or anything else. Thankfully, I noticed before she tipped back over, catching the huge grin of accomplishment and self-satisfaction on her face. What a joy it was to witness that moment and share it with her! It was a huge wakeup call for me - even though I was sitting right next to her, I was missing out on the awesome developments that were happening in Penina's life, and in turn, I was missing out on the joy and potential of that very moment (not to mention that I actually found the idea for my newsletter article by keying into the moment!).

Because of this realization, I am renewing my commitment to being present to each and every moment. I am reminding myself that anxiety stems from my mind wandering to either the past of the future and that authentic connection to passion and wisdom means living life in the PRESENT MOMENT. If I can really "BE HERE NOW", I will find all of the solutions, answers, and nourishment that I am looking for.

My invitation to you is to do the same: move away from the thoughts that distract you from really living and loving your life!

Soulful Call to Action! Live in the Present Moment

Check In with Yourself: Take note throughout the day of when your thoughts begin to wander to either replaying past events or worrying/making plans for future ones. How often does your mind tend to do thoughts? What are the recurring thoughts or anxieties that your mind generally flows towards? At what moments do you check-out from the present and move into your anxiety about the past or the future?

Acknowledge Your Distracting Thoughts: It is very powerful simply to acknowledge that your mind is wandering as it's happening. See if you can become a master at getting aware that you have left the present moment as it's happening.

Find the Joy, Lesson, or Wisdom of the Present Moment: One of the easiest and most effective ways of getting present is to take a deep breath, feel your body, and then look around your surroundings and notice something you haven't noticed before. Once you do that, take an even closer look at what is unfolding for you in the present moment - in a conversation, in an errand, at work - and ask yourself: What is the opportunity for joy or wisdom in this very moment? You'll be surprised at the amazing answers that come your way!