5 Simple Ideas to Help You Live in the Present Moment

A lot of us struggle with being in the NOW. We want tomorrow so badly. And we forget to live in the present moment.

But what’s wrong with living in the FUTURE? Why is it so important to live in the present?

When you live in the moment, you get out of your head. You stop thinking a million-and-one thoughts. Of things that may never happen.

This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t be imaginative. Or that you shouldn’t have plans for the future.

Instead, the idea is to cut yourself some slack. And stop worrying.

This post will help you learn how to live in the present moment. Like a:

• Snail
• Bird
• River
• Queen
• Creative

Living in the Present Moment: What does this Mean?

Before I read Dale Carnegie’s How to Stop Worrying and Start Living, I would carry the weight of the world on my shoulders.

I made a big deal out of every problem. Many times, too, I would imagine problems before they happened. And panic all day long about not having a solution to a problem that may never happen.

Here’s the thing:

The best way to stop worrying and start living in the present moment is to FOCUS ON TODAY.

Leave tomorrow alone.

Many people seem so unhappy about their present lives. And they somewhat believe that the better life is somewhere off in the future.

But here’s one beautiful thing I learned from Lisa Nichols’ Abundance Now. Your abundant life is your NOW, not your TOMORROW.

When you live in the present moment, you’re aware of your:

• Feelings
• Thoughts
• Actions
• Mindset
• Relationships

And everything else that’s in the NOW. You really can’t stay in the present if all you want to think about is the FUTURE. What tomorrow will bring! Or how tomorrow will be better than today.

Some people ask,

“Is it good to live in the moment?”

Absolutely! This doesn’t imply that you’re myopic. Or unconcerned about your life’s purpose. Instead, you’re choosing to stop worrying. And start living.

I remember Dale Carnegie’s method for living in the NOW.

• Write your worries on a piece of paper – use a table format
• Include the solution to the worries in one column
• Add the worst that could happen in each case to the third column.

When you’ve completed this, keep the paper somewhere safe. OR throw it away.

Do you get the idea here?

Being in the present means that you choose to control what you can. And you leave those things you have no power over.

Learn to Live in the Present Moment Using 5 Imagery

·        Be a Snail

Snails are generally slow. They seem to take forever to move from point A to point B.

But while many people (or even animals) think this is a weakness, it’s actually a strength.

How?

Snails live in the present. Dogs, for example, want to move fast and pick up the next available piece of bone.

No mouse wants to be caught in a trap.

But snails would rather take graceful strides until they reach their destination.

The rush all around doesn’t get to them. That doesn’t mean they don’t see the busyness and competition everywhere.

But they CHOOSE to move as they were created to be.

What’s my point?

Be a snail. Live in the present. Don’t let the dogs and the hyenas scare life out of you.

We will all reach our destinations – but no one said it has to be at the same time.

·        Be a Bird

Birds travel fast. They explore places human beings or many other animals can’t get to.

If you’ve ever watched birds fly while sitting in your home or taking a walk, you’ll see that they’re perfect examples of living in the moment.

One minute they flap their wings. The next, they soar like falling down is not an option.

And of course, they couldn’t possibly fall.

They sing their sweet tune as they travel alone or with other birds. Who knows, they might be clueless about where their next meal would come from.

But that doesn’t stop them from flying high and flapping powerfully.

What’s in this for you?

Be a bird. Live in the present moment. Don’t let the threatening thunder hold you back. Even if the lightning flashes and frightens you, just fly. NOW.

Now is all that matters.

·        Be a River

Rivers flow. From here to there – nobody dictates their flow. The wind does its thing. And the tide responds.

The river gives itself permission to flow. In fact, it couldn’t possibly stop itself from flowing.

Take a cue from the river. If you’ve got all the water in you to rush, splash, and tumble, would you hold back?

NO! You’d do what you were created for. And do it NOW, not later.

Be a river. Live in the present. Stop worrying about flowing to the wrong place or hitting the wrong riverbank. Start living in the moment.

·        Be a Queen

Every true queen wears her crown with grace and humility.

She knows she’s deserving of love, adoration, and care. And she readily allows herself to be worshipped.

Her subjects aren’t slaves. They are her people. And she owes it to them to encourage and trust their ideas.

She doesn’t think about usurping the king’s throne to become powerful.

Instead, she knows her place. And she sits in her majesty. Happy to be cherished and adorned.

She doesn’t worry her pretty head over the fact that someday her husband will grow old and die. And that a different family could begin to reign in the kingdom.

Rather, she chooses to stay in the moment.

Why be a queen?

You’ll learn how to live in the present, not the future. More so, imaginary fears won’t have the better of you. Also, you’ll allow yourself to be cared for even if dinner is nowhere in sight.

·        Be a Creative

Today, the world has a lot of creatives. Would I be wrong if I said they’re almost as many as doctors?

From writers to designers, from artists to dancers, creatives are ruling their world. Allowing themselves to create. Maybe from something small. Or from nothing at all.

What makes the creative live in the present?

They see the present task as the only task. And they give it all their heart.

More than that, they aren’t always sure that a new project will come. But they give their best to the current one. And their clients are pleased.

What’s my message?

Be a creative. Live in the present. Treat today like tomorrow is only in your head.

Connect with the inner you. If you need ideas, go on Pinterest. Scroll down on Instagram. And just enjoy the visuals.

12 things you could do include (but aren’t limited to):

• Cooking
• Baking
• Dancing
• Photography
• Crocheting
• Podcasting
• Copywriting
• Scriptwriting
• Storytelling
• Painting
• Drawing
• Designing

Overall, learn to live in the present moment. Enjoy your energy in the NOW. And let tomorrow worry about itself, as Christ said in Matthew 6:34.

Read this post to find out how positive affirmations can help you live in the present.