Is your present being sacrificed for your future?

I think about my future all too often. Being present and in the moment is challenging for me. Ok, I’m going to cut myself some slack here. I’ve experienced a tremendous amount of change this past year - relocating and losing a parent among them. And now I am trying to figure out what’s next for me. Where will I live? What does my coaching practice look like? Do I need to find other work while my business grows? It’s a lot to think about and it tends to keep me in future mode.

That being said, constantly being in future mode, while exciting, can also be stressful and anxiety-inducing.

Does any of this sound familiar? Do you struggle to remain in the present?

So what is the solution? What can keep us in the here and now?

Here are some practical ways to stay in the moment.

Mindfulness practices - You can incorporate small moments of mindfulness throughout your day. For instance, when you’re drinking your morning coffee or tea, focus on the warmth of the cup in your hands and take in the aroma and the taste. While cooking, pay attention to the ingredients, how you are combining them, and the delicious aromas. These simple acts of awareness can anchor you to the present moment.

Mindful Breathing - If you find yourself dwelling on the future, breathe deeply for a few minutes. Add visualization to the mix - as you inhale, imagine breathing in calmness and clarity, and as you exhale, visualize releasing stress and tension. You can then add movement by extending your arms overhead when inhaling and lowering them slowly when exhaling.

Mindful Communication - Practice reflective listening when communicating with friends and family. In this instance, you are truly hearing what the other is saying and reflecting it back to them in your own words...