I have spent a lot of time in other blogs over the past few months dealing with the topics of anxiety, gratitude, self-help, etc.. Reason being, these are the areas that are currently dominating the lives of so many people. Some of these topics can be all tied together with Living in the Present, and its always good to have regular reminders of what’s most important in life.
In today’s fast-paced world, stress and anxiety seem to be a constant companion. For many people, the root of their stress lies in two things they have no control over: the past and the future. Data reveals that these are the two primary sources of anxiety, and they have the power to take us away from the most valuable thing we can truly experience: the present moment.
The Trap of the Past
How many times have you found yourself thinking about what happened yesterday, last week, or even years ago? It’s common to replay old conversations, past mistakes, or missed opportunities, letting those thoughts shape how we feel today. The problem is, the past is unchangeable. No matter how much we dwell on it, it can’t be rewritten. It exists in our memories, and while it’s important to learn from the past, it shouldn’t dominate our minds.
When we dwell on past failures or regrets, we allow them to shape our present and rob us of the joy and peace that comes with being fully engaged in what is happening right now. If we focus too much on what’s already done, we lose sight of the opportunities and experiences unfolding in front of us.
The Worry About the Future
On the flip side, many of us spend significant mental energy projecting into the future. We worry about what will happen—about our jobs, relationships, money, and personal goals. What if I don’t get that promotion? What if my relationship falls apart? What if I don’t have enough money to retire? All these “what-ifs” create unnecessary stress about things that haven’t even happened yet.
While planning for the future is important, when it becomes an obsession, it fuels anxiety. The future is unknown, and no matter how much we try to control it, it remains unpredictable. Living constantly in the future can prevent us from enjoying what’s in front of us. It keeps us trapped in an endless cycle of worry.
Embracing the Present
So, how do we break free from the grip of past memories and future anxieties? The key is to practice living in the present moment.
Living in the present doesn’t mean ignoring the past or disregarding the future. It means acknowledging them, but not allowing them to dominate our lives. It’s about embracing the here and now and appreciating the experiences, people, and moments around us.
One powerful tool to embrace the present is gratitude. When we focus on the present moment with a mindset of thankfulness, it can help slow down the anxious thoughts about things we can’t control. What do we have in this moment? What can we appreciate right now? Whether it’s a warm cup of coffee, the sound of birds chirping outside, or a kind word from a friend, taking time to be thankful for the small things brings us back to the present.
The Dangers of “YOLO”
There’s a popular phrase that many people use in today’s culture: “You Only Live Once” or YOLO. While this philosophy encourages people to enjoy the present, it can often be misused as an excuse for reckless behavior or decisions that may cause harm.
Living for the moment should not mean engaging in behavior that could damage relationships, hurt others, or lead to long-lasting negative consequences. “YOLO” can be a great reminder to enjoy life and appreciate the moments we have, but it should never be an excuse to act impulsively in ways that harm others or diminish our own future well-being.
A Biblical Perspective on Living in the Present
In Matthew 6:34, Jesus reminds us not to worry about the future, saying, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” This is a powerful reminder to focus on the present, to not be consumed with worries about what might happen tomorrow. We can’t control the future, and obsessing over it only distracts us from the blessings and responsibilities we have right now.
By embracing this mindset, we start to experience life differently. We stop worrying about what we can’t control and start giving our full attention to the present. We can find joy and peace in the simple moments, and in doing so, our anxiety and stress begin to diminish.
Living and Loving What’s in Front of You
To truly live in the present, we need to learn to love what’s in front of us. Whether it’s spending time with family, focusing on work without distractions, or enjoying a hobby, when we put our full attention into the present moment, we cultivate deeper satisfaction. And as we do this, we find that life becomes more meaningful.
When we give love and attention to the people and experiences right in front of us, we receive that same love and attention in return. Relationships deepen, productivity increases, and life becomes more fulfilling. By being fully present, we open ourselves up to all the beauty and joy that life has to offer.
Final Thoughts
Living in the present is about finding balance. It’s not about ignoring the past or pretending the future doesn’t matter; it’s about acknowledging them, letting them go, and focusing on what you can control now. It’s about finding peace and joy in the present moment, where life truly happens.
So, take a step back. Breathe. Appreciate the moment you’re in. Let go of what’s gone, and let go of what’s to come. Live fully in the present, and watch how it transforms your life for the better.
Troy P Zehnder 