Dear Serial Dieter,
On the shelf in our home office sits a clear plaque that my husband received years ago at a Sean Delaney leadership conference that says:
“Be Here Now”
What wisdom!
Think about it…if we aren’t living in the moment – where are we?
Often, as Serial Dieters we set our sights on one day…… when that major event occurs, when we lose the weight, when we get that promotion, when we feel better about ourselves….. oh, the list goes on and on and on.
Unfortunately, “One Day” rarely comes, and when it does – it doesn’t last – because we aren’t used to living in the moment, so we set our sights on another day in the future….
If you stop and really give it some thought, you’ll realize that Tomorrow never comes. When it does – it’s Today and we aren’t used to living in Today. We’re in the habit of looking towards Tomorrow.
Oh, what a crazy dance we dance!
We’re kidding ourselves when we live longing for another day. If we can’t enjoy the day we are in, there is little chance that another day will bring the joy and happiness we think it will. There is no final destination on this side of heaven that will completely fulfill us.
You see, when you keep holding the baton out for you to grasp – as if it’s a final trophy – you miss the beauty of each moment.
In those moments when life stresses you out, quite likely you have teleported to the future. Staying in the present will slow you down to see that when the stressor comes, God will be there with you, just like He is now.
I know I’ve written a little bit about this to you before, but it’s the key! The key to joy, the key to peace, the key to contentment you long for. That’s why the mindfulness movement is growing so rapidly. Being mindful helps you realize the beauty of you and the beauty of the day, your setting, your friends, your relationships, and who God made you to be.
Is there something good that you’ve been longing for and convinced yourself that when it happens you will be satisfied? Take a moment to write it out.
When we’re not living in the present moment we’re not living.
We’re living in a fantasy in which the stars will magically align and all will be well.
True contentment is found in living in your own skin Today.
Now.
By showing up now.
Many years ago, my husband visited Haiti to help implement a feeding program for students that didn’t have enough food to eat a midday meal. During his visit, he was struck by the joy of the people – people that had no electricity, people who had suffered physical tragedies with no hope for medical care, people that had huts for homes and lived in stench, people that didn’t have enough food to feed their children a lunchtime meal. Yet, the smiles and laughter struck him as he watched the Haitians going about their day as though all was well.
Stop and think…
What do you have in this moment?
What do you have right now that you treasure?
If I were to look around me right now, I would take note of: My dog, Picasso, who’s running through the yard excited because we have a little crispness in our South Florida air, my husband, my children, the most precious daughter-in-law God ever created, a body that moves quite well at my age, beautiful green foliage around me, the bird that sings with the power of a megaphone each morning…the list can go on and on!
We’ve heard it said time and time again that all we have is this moment. That’s what the whole mindfulness movement is about – being mindful of the beauty of this moment. When we take in all that God has given us… It’s overwhelming.
Living is paying attention to the ordinary moments that are truly extraordinary when you look deeper within.
Setting goals for tomorrow is important, but life is fulfilled and satisfied in the moment of now – by looking around us and seeing why God created today, why he perfectly placed you in today.
Question:
Can you be here right now and be satisfied and content?
Can you accept who you are today and those God has placed in your life?
Can you believe that you have a purpose today, in the next few hours before the sun sets?
If you put Today on hold….you will miss it.
I urge you to show up. Take a deep, deep breath. And focus on this precious moment!
It’s not just another day! And you’re not just another person. You were perfectly made and placed in this amazing day. Praise God!
If you’d like the worksheet that goes along with today’s letter, just subscribe in the sidebar and I’ll send it your way!
Michele Morin says
Staying present in the moment is such a challenge for me. I just finished reading a bio of Jim and Elisabeth Elliot, and this was one of the admonitions he wrote to her in a letter: Be all there! We miss so much in pining for the “not yet.”
And hello to Picasso! (What a great dog name!)
Char says
Me too Michele! I’ve always been future oriented and realize how much I’ve missed. You like the name Picasso?! My mother in law hates our dog’s name and says “Picassssssssso come here Pikk-kasssssssso!” It cracks us up!
Michele Morin says
So funny!
I wonder what my daughters-in-law will be laughing at me for . . . or maybe they already are????
Char says
All in love!!
Teri says
Char:
I remember when the kids were little thinking “today” truly is the most perfect day and life can’t get any better than this as i marveled over their latest achievements! Thank you for the reminder to get back into that mindset !! Love you!
Char says
My mother in law reminded me constantly to enjoy those years! They were precious! Life is certainly different but precious is we tune in! I think you’re amazing at grasping every opportunity Teri!! Love and hugs!
Sarah says
I definitely needed this reminded today. I feel like this post encompasses what it means to be content. It’s definitely a challenge for me. Thank you for sharing this!
Char says
It’s amazing how content I can be if I stay in the now. Thanks for reading Sarah.
April says
You are so right!! Being in the now and truly taking in all that we have right in front of us changes our perspective. We can always have hope for our future but actually putting it in God’s hand’s and deciding that today is what life is about, right now!! A great reminder for anyone 🙂
Patrick Weseman says
I always try to be present because (and I heard this)- Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift.
Very nice post and I always learn something here.
Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
Char says
That’s a great quote Patrick! Thanks for sharing and have a great week too!
Katrina Hamel says
Life giving words! Living in today seems like one of things children and seniors do very well, and busy moms like me with my “to dos” struggle with. I figure it’s not a light-switch type decision (suddenly I’m mindful lol), but something to grow into.
Char says
That would be great if it were like a switch! I heard one speaker suggest taking 12 seconds five times a day and breathing deeply to focus in on the moment. We could set our alarms on our phones…
Lauren Renee Sparks says
Feeling the prick of my contentment issues in this post. Thank you for the reminder to continue to take it to God. laurensparks.net
Char says
Yeah, me too. I try to start each day writing out 10 things I’m grateful for… and not listing the typical things. Of course I need to do that about five times a day! But I love seeing the list on my wall.
Rebecca Hastings says
Appreciating now isn’t my specialty. But I find myself running weary constantly looking to the future, to that illusive someday that feels further and further from my reach. Choosing the present is a beautiful choice!
Char says
I call that living in purgatory- when I constantly strive for some illusive purpose or future event. I tend to think if I work harder I’ll get it. It’s so silly and I miss the here and now. The beauty of what God has given me now. We think alike Rebecca!
Lisa notes says
I need that plaque too. Be here now is such a wonderful motto to apply to every aspect of our lives. Thanks, Char!
Donna Reidland says
It’s so true. Those of us who are accomplishment-oriented are always focused on what needs to be done instead of enjoying the right now. As Paul told Timothy, “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Tim. 6.6). Much of that contentment is about where we are right now. Thanks for the reminder! I needed it!
Char says
Thanks for sharing the verse! Very apropo.
Monica says
Thank you for this article! I am going through some life transitions and although I’m sad that so much has changed, I see that I have so much to be grateful for. If I listen to my “feelings” they will take me down a dark hole. I realize that I need to seize the day and FOCUS on my relationship with my creator and best friend, God, and His live for me. I need to focus on using my gifts – even if I am sad and miss special people in my life. I need to embrace my new normal and not look back and not look forward!!
Char says
Wow! Sounds like you have a great perspective. Sorry you’re going through such a hard time. I’m praying for you.