At times we can go through our day simply struggling to get to the end of it so we can sleep, stop, breathe, or simply sit. Welcome to humanity! Those days happen to each of us. The difference is that some of us live there as a way of being, while others of us go there on rare occasions when we have momentarily lost sight of our long-term goals or even their Why.
I have found that living in the present is imperative, however, having a view of our future gives us motivation, drive, joy, and a sense of accomplishment as we go through the intermittent steps to achieving whatever that goal is, whether for who we want to become or what it is we want to do.
Having a purpose, a reason for our actions, gives them substance even something as mundane as sitting on the beach. “I’m going to sit and enjoy the beauty of the water, the warmth of the sun, and the gift of just being alive.” Feel it – even the anticipation of it brings a smile and thanksgiving. Lots of laughter, conversation, and play can happen but it’s all a bonus.
When it comes to showing up for our careers, our jobs, or even Saturday housework, because of their consistency, there is even more of a need to avoid surviving them and so much more of a need to anticipate each with a mindset of joy and creativity. For me with housework, (Yes, I am one of the odd ones who loves it.): It feels so good to have everything in order – to have the house smelling clean – the plants watered – and to have the ability to relax in a great place. I actually look forward to it.
When it comes to working, like everyone else there are elements of the job I am not crazy about – for me it’s the backroom stuff, paperwork, phone calls, & marketing, while actually doing the work such as speaking, coaching, & writing, I love it. However, to have a mindset that takes me from surviving parts of it to simply doing them with direction and purpose, I am present and aware that by doing these pieces I get to do more and more of the pieces I love. Thus, I move into appreciation, gratitude, and awareness that without each of these, I couldn’t get to do what I love. These parts are the means to the end that I look forward to.
Bottom line: whether playing in the dirt planting flowers I will thoroughly enjoy through the summer and fall, I get to enjoy the dirt, while also anticipating the beauty that is to come or in doing something else, I win both ways. I relish the present while creating the short-term future I so completely enjoy. Taking care of the short-term makes the long-term so much easier to create. It also gives me time to remember my Why.
Are these mind games? Perhaps. Are they beneficial? Most definitely. Do they add to my life? You betcha.
Getting to appreciate the present while excitedly anticipating the future makes the whole package deal a gift. It’s a gift you get to give yourself over, and over, and over again. It is also an amazing way to look at life. It fills you with joy, anticipation, creativity, and a lot more laughter and gratitude than you would have otherwise.
Since we are all here anyway, why not enjoy the trip????
