Being Present.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been a forward-thinker. Most of my thoughts revolve around the future in any sense. If I’m having a conversation with someone, nine times out of ten my mind is focusing on where the conversation is going and what I should say next, rather than listening to them and focusing on their words. When an opportunity strikes to crack a joke, I almost always miss it because I’m thinking about how others will react.

Now, don’t get me wrong, being a forward thinker can be such a great thing in so many aspects, but I did make it one of my New Years’ resolutions to be more present in most aspects of my life. 

As a college student, my life basically relies on knowing what's coming next. Whether it's an assignment, study group session, or club meeting, it's vital that I know exactly what I'm responsible for. This being said, I'm often guilty of letting the future take over. Sometimes, getting too caught up in what is coming, rather than focusing on what's going on right now, becomes extremely stressful. Not to mention the mere fact that it takes away from quality time spent with other people.

Thats why it's important to choose now over later.

Choosing now means:

• Actively participating in conversation. As in listening... actually paying attention. 
• Taking in your surroundings.
• Noticing how others are feeling/acting.
• Asking questions.
• Thinking about what you're saying, but not overthinking.

And the list goes on.

Why is it that I think choosing now is frequently more important than choosing later? Later doesn't matter yet. That's right, I said it. And it was hard for me to say. 

What good is stressing about tomorrow or five years from now if it's not even here yet? This isn't me being naive - I'm not saying that tomorrow or five years from now isn't important, because it is. Rather, I'm referring to the idea that individual moments deserve to be recognized. 

You owe it to yourself to acknowledge ever possible second of your day, even if it's not a good moment. Again, why? So you can do your best to make sure that tomorrow is even greater. 

Keep not settling, 

image credit.