7 Essential Ways To Live In The Moment

Wake up the right way.
There is nothing like that kind of morning when you wake up moments before an alarm clock goes off. It's almost like you know God made that day for you. It begins to snowball. The hot water doesn't run out, the coffee doesn't spill, and traffic is clear. Some of us have these days often whereas some of us see these kind of days once in a blue moon. So, here's the deal. When you wake up in the morning don't let your immediate thought be about what happened yesterday or what terrible thing might happen to you today. The mind is a terrible thing to not understand. Think about your dreams, think about helping someone, or even someone helping you. Listen to music that gets you ready for the day but one not associated with some negative memory of the past. Take your time waking up and don't try too fast. Enjoy your mornings because this is where your entire day begins to get defined.


Take time to brush off your shoulders.
I find myself thinking all day long. It used to be a curse. Now I find it a miracle. I couldn't imagine not analyzing every little thing I do or someone else does. Actually, if I think about it, I could. Anyways, if you find yourself throughout the day remembering who got in your way, who said the wrong thing, or what someone else is doing, you're going down the wrong path. Try to take a couple minutes after whatever altercation you encounter and breathe. It sounds easy, but to many it is hard. Try to picture someone else getting upset with you about something you did and really try to grasp that emotion. The hardest part of giving this to yourself is knowing no one else will care about the world around them enough to do the same. But don't let that stop you. Change only happens when something becomes more familiar or when a strong emotion is attached. I've explained this to so many people and I've gotten a few of them to calm down, or to slow their mental habits of automatically freaking out. I know it's hard to live in this world, but you don't have to make it so difficult on yourself. Let the world live, do your thing, and get on with it.


Notice everything.
This is the definition of living in the moment. The first book i read on the subject seemed so simple to me. Then I got another and found the same to be true. Then as I got more into it I realized that these people are just people who know how to live life. How to enjoy it. Living in the moment is precisely what it means. Take time to notice the living whether conscious or not. Everything on this Earth emits energy. Bring it in. Notice a tree, notice a stream, or notice a young child riding a bike alone and wonder where he is going. Don't stop after only a few things. Keep it going. As long as your main inner dialogue is focusing on the world around you it won't focus on what's behind you. What matters is really only what is happening now. You cannot go back to your past and fix something. You can't change something you said or something you did. So get over it. Move on. There are more exciting things going on around you. You can make yourself the center of the universe but don't forget how big that universe is or what else is in it. 


Be happy.
Sometimes I see people and I just think to myself, "I don't like your face." Seems a bit harsh but I always notice when someone looks pitiful, unbalanced, or unhappy. Everyone sees your face and in turn they put a memory to that face. Make it pretty by making it smile. Everyone has a rough day. Everyone experiences something that they think is the worst ever. They are your emotions so feel free to do whatever you want with them, but appear happy. No one really wants to hear about your problems because usually no one wants to hear the help in return. If you are not capable of fixing your problems or shortcomings, don't let the world know about it. We're sick and tired of hearing about everyone's problems. I want to hear a great story. I want to hear something that lifts me up. I want tears of joy in my eyes all day long. I don't have the best life, but I always make sure that people know I'm OK. Sure, you're thinking if you hold it in or fake it that it will all be let loose someday. Just don't let that happen. Go back to the last tip and brush your shoulders off. Don't carry that stuff with you. No one likes baggage.


Stay up to date.
It's hard keeping up with this big bad world. All the news, sports, celebrities, friends. It can be a huge burden on your personal life to get too involved in other things but find what fits you. Keep up with the world, stay in touch with friends, and find interests you are really interested in. Your social life will blossom, your mind will grow stronger, and you won't feel so bad for not knowing anything. There are some stupid people in this world, even in this country. I've talked to people who have never been to a sporting event. Who don't understand how an economy works. Some who don't know who our President is or what party he belongs to. If I could put all the ridiculous up here I would, but it would take too long. Sure, some people are uneducated or under educated but why? Why would you want to live a life where you know nothing about the things around you? I wouldn't. If you aren't learning something new everyday, there is something wrong.


Reflect.
I know earlier I said not to focus on the past or get involved in those types of things, but at the end of your day it is ideal to reflect. If you have anything you "carried" home with you, get rid of it. Remember who was there for you or who helped you. Remember who you didn't have a chance to help and get on that tomorrow. Do not lay your head down tossing some idea around in your head. Be prepared for tomorrow, make it better than yesterday. Every day.


Dream
To me, there are two different types of dreams. Those you see while you sleep and those childhood dreams you may have forgotten. Remember your dreams. Write them down as soon as you wake up by keeping a dream journal. Deep in those dreams you will find clues to your everyday life. You will see old friends and meet new ones. It can bring a little excitement into your life and can even be fun to go back and see the crazy things your mind has come up with. Like I said before, the mind is a terrible thing to not understand. As far as your childhood dreams are concerned, remember they are childhood dreams. They were long term goals you set for yourself as a toddler, or adolescent. I wanted to be a Pro Soccer Player. I didn't get there, but the idea that I, as a young child, could imagine I had what it took amazes me. There are tons of other things I dreamed to be but I never got any of those. I worked my way up each of those paths but never got to the top. Don't forget your dreams because if you forget them, you doubt yourself. You tell yourself that you never wanted anything and you got it. Hopes for something more or something better keep me going and who knows, maybe you'll get your shot at what you always wanted just for your effort. For your passion. I recall a story where a high school boy with down syndrome wanted so bad to play football but couldn't. He was put on the team basically to make him feel better. In a playoff game the opposing team talked to the other coach and told him to put the kid in. The young man took a handoff and ran 76 yards for a touchdown in a playoff game for his high school. Something this young man never would have dreamed of doing. But he had passion and he held on to his dreams. He will never forget that for the rest of his life and when he thinks about it he will feel triumphant. That is the best feeling in the world.