Staying in the Moment
By Joan Raymond, Writers of Kern
I’m writing this on June 1st. Our forecasted temperature is 107. All I can think about are the cooler temps coming in late October and wishing we were seeing fall leaves and feeling the crispness in the air.
But then I remember there’s a lot to enjoy about the summer. Fresh nectarines, peaches (especially my favorite, white peaches), and more daylight. If we were to scoot right through the summer, I’d miss out on those in-the-moment memories.
Looking back, I’ve had a challenging time staying in the moment. I look forward to Spring, Fall, and Winter wishing to avoid Summer. I look forward to a holiday or a birthday, but forget to enjoy each day and what it might bring.
Journaling each night has helped. My journal prompts me to write down something I did for me (self-care), something I learned that day, something to be thankful for, and to sum up the day with one word. It makes me pause and think. It makes me stay in the moment. Remember why each day is unique. And why I shouldn’t skip the now in hopes for something better.
Now is important. Living each day and experiencing what we’re given. At the end of the day when I’m reflecting, I see why it’s important to stop and take notice. From the mundane to the monumental, there’s something to learn. Something to experience. Something to remember.
When you find yourself wishing the day/week/month/year is over, take a moment. Ask yourself what you did for yourself. What you learned. What you’re thankful for. And then, sum the day up in one word. It will keep you in the moment. And, you’ll have something to remind of how you triumphed through tough days and celebrated good ones.
“Staying in the Moment” first appeared as the
President’s Message June 2021 in
The Write Way, newsletter of Writers of Kern.