Throughout my life, I’ve always been someone looking forward to “next… I’ve never been one to rest on my laurels, whether completing a significant milestone, achieving a goal, or finishing a major project. In fact, I often found myself looking forward to “what’s next” in the moment. Several friends and colleagues often said to me, “You’re so driven,” asking if I ever just stopped to appreciate my accomplishments. The truth is, I rarely did.

“Until” was my mode of thinking about the future and neglecting to live in the present. The Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius wrote in Meditations, “Were you to live three thousand years, or even a countless multiple of that, keep in mind that no one ever loses a life other than the one they are living, and no one ever lives a life other than the one they are losing. The longest and the shortest life, then, amount to the same, for the present moment lasts the same for all… No one can lose either the past or the future, for how can someone be deprived of what’s not theirs?” This profound insight resonated with me deeply, reminding me that there really is no “next,” only “now.”

In our fast-paced age of social media and influencing, we are so concerned with posing, posturing, and pontificating that we risk missing crucial moments by moving too fast. Think about it: the next time you are on a trip of a lifetime and are eager to take a selfie, you might miss the aesthetic response to a sculpture, the beauty of the landscape, or the intricate details of mountains. Living until -next can cause you to pass by welcoming doors and miss the abundance of the “now.”

To truly emphasize the importance of living in the present and not getting caught up in the fast-paced, social media-driven world, I have made some changes in- order- to practice living in the moment. Consider the following ideas:

Practice Mindfulness

Observe your surroundings. Set aside specific times during the day to pause, breathe, and take in the details of your environment. Notice a leaf’s texture, birds’ sound, or sunlight patterns through trees. Every day, I start my morning on the patio before the sun gets too hot, sitting for 30 minutes, focusing on my breath, and listening to the different harmonies of the birds singing.

Digital Detox

Although I rely on social media and the internet for my business, I’ve started implementing certain days to strictly use my digital devices for work and minimize idle or recreational screen time. I make it a point to take regular breaks from technology and social media to reconnect with the present moment. This means setting aside dedicated periods, whether a few hours each day or an entire weekend, during which I disconnect from my devices and resist the urge to document every moment. If you’re trying this already, focus on being consistent.

Journal

Keep a journal to record daily experiences and reflections. Writing about the day’s events can help solidify memories and promote a deeper appreciation for the moments lived rather than focusing on what’s next. I write extensively about Journaling in my book Stop Hiding: Unlock Your Full Potential and Embrace the Five Pillars of a Growth Mindset.

Mindful Eating

In the past, I had the habit of rushing through meals due to tight work time commitments, which made me not appreciate my food fully. I am consciously trying to change this habit and learn to enjoy my meals at a slower pace, which can also contribute to eating less. I am currently focusing on mindful eating, which involves savoring each bite, paying attention to flavors and textures, and appreciating the meal’s effort. This practice can be applied to other daily activities, making them more intentional and present-focused. Turn off the TV, rest your phone on the counter or in a drawer, and appreciate your meal.

Nature Walks

Previously, I couldn’t imagine walking without my music and earbuds. I’ve learned to cherish the natural sounds around me as a symphony. Embrace the beauty of nature without any digital distractions. Use this time to reconnect with the world around you, embrace the changing seasons, and experience being part of something greater than the digital realm.

Practice Gratitude

Start or end the day with a gratitude practice. List things you are thankful for to shift focus from future anxieties to present blessings. This is an easy one for me; practicing gratitude is like breathing to me.

Start a Hobby

Immerse yourself in hobbies that demand your complete focus, like painting, reading, or gardening. These pursuits can help cultivate a state of flow and mindfulness. It seems like the older I get, the more quickly I lose focus. I’m excited because my husband purchased an electronic chess game for me to teach me how to play and, in turn, help me sharpen my concentration.

Connect with Others

Spend quality time with loved ones without the interference of phones or social media. Personal connections and face-to-face interactions are vital for living in the moment.

Photography with a Purpose

If taking photos is essential to you, do so with intention. Instead of snapping endless selfies, focus on capturing meaningful moments and emotional scenes.

Slow Travel

Embrace slow travel, which focuses on experiencing a place deeply rather than rushing through a checklist of attractions. Stay longer in one location, interact with locals, and immerse yourself in the culture.

By incorporating these practices, you will adjust to living in the present and appreciating the now, which is more fulfilling than constantly chasing the next milestone or social media post.

Remember, there is no “next” only “now.” Embrace the present and savor the moments you are living, for they are the essence of life itself.

Love and Light,

Jocelyn