Do you have a tendency to focus on how your life could be, might be, hope will be, instead of looking at what it is right now? I think we all do that to a degree, for aspirations, hopes, dreams, and future goals are not a bad thing, but we can't get so caught up in them, that we miss what is going on at this particular moment. We forget that where we are right now, was hoped for several years ago, and even though it might not be the exact picture you had in mind, there are probably still elements about this moment that ring true for you. And of course you have to keep in mind that there is something to the term, "it's the journey that's important", that makes perfect sense, unless of course you would rather slap your arms together and blink. I'm sure for all of us, that would be the easier route, but for me, it would seem something would be missed in the transition.
I think C.S. Lewis had the right idea about life. It's not the having, but the longing for that really keeps us going. The thing that is just out of reach that gives us that incentive, that drive, that motivation to keep going, to keep striving, in order to reach our goal. Honestly, when I get into that mode of thinking my life would be perfect if only this or if only that would happen, I try and remember his theory, and at least make some attempt each day to soak up "this" particular moment in time, and even reflect back to see if I'm able to connect then, with now. Was I dreaming, striving, wishing, or praying for something in my life that I'm sitting on right now? And if I do have evidence of those things, have I stopped to notice that I have them? Or did they mysteriously show up, without me noticing, and now I'm on to the next thing I think I am entitled to have in my life........or wish would happen?
So you see, there is something in the "living in the moment" mode that rings true for all of us. And granted in this time of recession, there would seem to be many people who are left wanting for things that are badly needed, and appalled by the latest turn of events, but again, this can easily go back to my theories about change and adjustments. I would venture to say there are several people who were wanting some sort of change in their life before they lost their job, losing their spouse through divorce, some medical problem to be resolved, a move to a smaller home......etc. They just weren't aware of how that change would manifest itself. I know........sounds twisted and distorted, but if you just take the time to think about it, you'll see what I'm talking about. Similar to, be careful what you wish for, for you might surely get it......or what or how you think, shall you be.
So the next time you are waiting, planning, dreaming, aspiring, or praying for the next thing to happen in your life, or wishing your life were different if you had that perfect person, that new car, that job, that house, or the money, and thinking only then can you sit back and be happy and content......just remember, your life right at this moment already has some of those things, and you are still wanting for more. I wonder how it would feel if you just simply stopped, looked around you, and recognized what is in your life at this moment, and maybe thankfully check off your list those things you did accomplish or did gain over this last year. You might be surprised to see how much you have before you start the new list, and realizing even if there is something that is not quite right, or if the recession has caused you to lose something........it still gives you the opportunity to assess what you have now, and instead of wishing or wanting for more, learning to be OK with what you already have......because honestly.........this is your life.
