Week 7

I know, I know, I'm a week late with this.


Deal with it!


Sometimes when life throws you curve balls, you have to try and catch them.  Granted, I was supposed to be practicing balance while catching those balls, but sadly, my life is a work in progress.  


Sigh...


But yesterday and today are about putting the priorities back in order, and I have spent the morning doing just that.  So always remember that when you fall off the balance beam of life, you can always hop back on without too many deductions (a little pre-Olympic humor there).


Week 7 is all about NOW, and might be the hardest lesson of all.  Everyone I know, myself included, is stuck in the past or the future, worrying, festering, complaining, and beating themselves up. Very rarely are we ever present and in the moment.  


As I write this, I am looking out the window at Blake playing with his buddies.  They are barefoot in the grass, lacrosse sticks in hand, and 100% in the moment themselves.  Not one of them is worrying about memorizing the speech for Wednesday or even try-outs later today.  Nope, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and they are just having fun.  I wanted to leave five minutes ago, but they're so happy, I can't do it.


So I write... which brings me to my moment. 


Have you ever gotten through an entire meal and not really even realize you finished, let alone tasted the food?  How about a day?  I know that I have gone through days and sometimes weeks, thinking 'I just gotta get through this day...'


It's ridiculous! We are wasting so much time and energy on fixing the past, planning the future, and wishing life away.  It isn't supposed to be like this, and starting today, I want you to be more aware of the moment you're in, and make it beautiful.  Embrace what you have, stop caring about what you don't have, and get on with it.  


Live it too short.


Homework:  Do any or all of the following.

• Save the picture above, and set it as your screen saver.  
• Take a moment to sit still and become aware of what is going on around you.  If you have kids, watch them play.  They are masters at this.
• Make a meal or dessert from scratch.  Measure the ingredients, taste test, and play some music while you do this.  Savor the smells and the sounds coming from your kitchen.
• If it's nice outside, go for a walk or run.  There is nothing like a little exercise to bring you into the moment.  
• If you can swing it get a massage, manicure, or pedicure.  Being pampered is a perfect way to have a moment to yourself!
• When in doubt, go to Biggby and write.  Okay, this one is mainly for me, but hey, you can too!

Have a very present week :)