No matter where I am or what I am doing, I tend to look forward with great anticipation to the “next phase”, whatever that may be. Kind of a “let’s get on with it” mentality. By putting so my energy and thought into the future, I am essentially robbing myself of enjoying my present conditions. I foolishly allow precious time to slip by, without fully living in and enjoying those days and moments. (An important distinction here: Of course, one should plan for the future; I am talking about dwelling in or living in the future.)
Here is an example: All in all, we will have lived in Mexico for a total of 5 months. We’ve been here almost 4 months and we still have 5 weeks left. Already, I am looking forward to and thinking about what we will do when we get back to the States (and we have all kinds of exciting things going on, but I’ll tell you about that stuff later). I catch myself thinking: Let’s just get on with it! Maybe we should leave early and start that phase now?
Lately though, I’ve noticed this pattern, this typical behavior of mine that comes with every transition. Fortunately, this observation comes with an opportunity to change it. Why not stay present in the now and continue to enjoy the stunningly beautiful seaside jungle in which we live? Why not take advantage of everything that this charming little town has to offer? Of course, I (and we) will take care of things that we need to do to prepare for our return to the US, too; but we don’t need to “be there” yet.
Instead of focusing most of my energy and thoughts on the next phase, I choose to live here and now: in this charming little Mexican town, with my two favorite people in the world. Here’s to the precious present!
One Moore In The Oven 
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