As the lazy days of summer are winding down, most of us are gearing up for fall and the return of regular schedules and commitments. As we prepare for this busier season, it’s important to pause, reflect, and Be Present. Practice savoring every moment to make the most of everything – big and small – that life has to offer.
Warmly,
Melanie Ott
Inspirational Thought
“Be happy in the moment, that’s enough. Each moment is all we need, not more.” Mother Theresa
“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” Buddha
Stop And Smell the Roses: Be Present Now
Slow Down
Life is fast, and getting faster. Gandhi once said, “There is more to life than increasing its speed.” I’d bet that if I asked you to list five words to describe your life, at least one of them would be a word like “hectic,” “rushed,” “busy,” or “jam-packed.” We’re tied to our phones and computers, which inundate us with messages and information at warp speed. This speed can be good: it makes us more connected and efficient. But the downfall is that our attention
is constantly being pulled to the next moment, leaving us no time to savor this one.
Put Down Your Planner
I talk about planning a lot, both in my newsletter and in my coaching sessions, from creating a vision to how to pursue happiness. Setting goals and creating plans is important – it’s the most effective way to move intentionally into the future. That said, I find I can get so caught up focusing on the future that I allow it to sap my enjoyment of the present. Don’t allow life to pass you by. Do look, plan, and move forward – but spend equal time pausing to reflect on and embrace the moment you’re in right now. Being fully present allows you to experience the joy and wonder of life as you live it.
Stop. Savor. Breathe.
The first step to being present is to stop. Stop what you’re doing. Stop what you’re thinking. Allow all of life’s distractions to fade into the background. Let what you’re feeling in this moment — not what you felt in the last moment, or what you’re anticipating feeling in the next — wash over you. Savor the experience. Whenever you feel anxious about the future or a past even, just breathe. You’ll be amazed at how focusing on each intake and exhale can help ground you in the present moment.
Self Care, Surviving & Thriving, and Being Present
In the past few newsletters, I’ve talked about personal well-being, including how to practice self care and how to thrive. Learning to be mindful in the moment encourages us to reflect on what’s most important, what you are doing, feeling, and what needs attention in our body, mind and spirit. Pausing to be fully present provides us the benefit of perspective which to help us make purposeful choices and actions.
Tips to Be Present
Staying present in the moment is easier said than done. Here are some practical tips to help you pause and learn to savor each moment.
current experiences.
Focus on the Future …
At Leap Forward Coaching we have a process that will help you to flourish and thrive, personally and professionally. We will guide you on a purposeful path of self-care, help you pursue happiness, practice gratitude, and implement other changes that will help you move from surviving to thriving.
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