5 Ways to be More Present Today.

Lately, the end of the day will come, and I'll rest on the couch, staring out the window and the night sky, and I'll reflect on my day. Often, sadly, the day races by so fast that when I look back at it I don't remember much. I know I worked, cleaned, taught, wrote, cleaned some more, cooked, got littles dressed, read, tweeted, swept, and yet it becomes this massive blur of information smooshed together into the package of a day. And often, it's not intentional - it's about finishing everything that needs to get done and then missing out on the relationships that are right there in front of my face.

Read a book, momma? Will you play a game? Can we go for a walk? Can I help you make dinner? Can I go to the store? Will you look at this picture?

Questions. To me. That if I'm not careful will stop. They'll stop because my kids will learn that I'm too busy with all of this stuff that needs to get finished for tomorrow and thus I'm losing out on today. Today. This gift, that too many times, when I'm pondering my day, I realize that I didn't grab. I made excuses. It will only take me a minute to check my email, I'll quick fold this laundry, I don't want to read now, just a minute, we'll play a game when I'm done with this - and all those excuses rob me from today.

So now, today, I am sharing with you five ways to wake up and be more present. Because honestly,  what truly matters is that we cherish the moments of time that are right in front of us. Wake up with me. Cherish today. Embrace the little things. Live Boldly.

1. Don't Rush. I am notoriously busy. A rusher. When I learned to play piano, my teacher's biggest struggle was getting me to slow down. I'd want to race through those notes just to prove that I could play it fast. And yet, often, the piece needed to be played slow - and when it was this unbelievable beauty would emerge. It's like life. Don't rush through right now so that you can finish everything on the list. Don't race through two year olds wishing they were four year olds and could do all this stuff and were a bit neater. Learn to embrace where ever you are - and slow down. Just for a bit.

2. Learn to Wonder. My kids are almost always asking me these questions - mom I wonder what would happen if we did this or why is the sky pink now or when can I do this or what happens if you do that - they wonder. Do you wonder? Or in our adult states have we lost that freedom, that gift, of wonder? Start to wonder along with your kids. Begin to see the world with a different lens - with eyes that marvel at the sunset, or the smallness of a hummingbird, or the amazing gift to watch life unfold right in front of you. Don't lose wonder. Regain it.

3. Snapshot the Moment. Part of the reason I love instagram is that it is like the scrapbook of life that I never got around to putting together. I'll look through instagram pics and they're different then other pics - they're raw, they're about the moment, they're really about beauty and family. And coffee. Think of life, and the moments tucked within, with an instagram filter. What would you capture? What do you want to remember? Is it the little one staring out the window? Their feet? The sun as it reflects through your window? Start to see your everyday different and embrace it.

4. Check your Thoughts. Even when I say I'm going to be intentional so often my mind is racing through the 2934 things that I should have accomplished yesterday. Check your thoughts. Are you letting thoughts of failing, not measuring up, the never-ending to-do list, and all that cloud your moment right now? Put them to the curb. Write down those things, and then tell yourself that you will get back to them, but for now, you're enjoying this time. You'll get to that stuff, but if you allow all of it to constantly play in your mind you will not be as intentional and aware. Check them constantly.

5. Be Authentic. Let's face it. There are some days that are just plain hard and the last thing you want to be is in the moment. That's okay. Not everyday is going to be amazing, and certainly not every minute of the day is fabulous. Be real about it. There are times where I have to simply tell my kids that I'm too tired to read right now, but I love you and will you remind me later? That's real. I cannot be super mom - she really doesn't exist. Being present to today means admitting that sometimes you need a break, or you pop in a movie, or you just rest. It's a day. However, living intentionally and aware takes work and diligence. So again, check your thoughts, just keep trying, and be real.

Tonight, when I go to sleep, I want to rest there knowing that I gave it my best. And I hope that for you as well - wherever you are in your journey. Maybe it's one new thing that you do - read, or step back, or go for that walk, or rock extra long in the morning - what matters is that you tried. It's really not about being perfect, it's about the constant effort to just keep trying.

Life is a journey. Embrace today.

Which point resonated with you the most?

to receive finding joy via email simply click subscribe.