I had a very interesting conversation with a young woman at work today. She is wrapping up her internship and still in school. She was saying how much she enjoyed working, how she just couldn’t wait for school to be over so she could work full-time and get her own place.
After much deliberation and at the risk of sounding absolutely ancient, I offered some advice. I said,
“I know this is going to sound very old but enjoy this moment of your life… you will miss it.”
She of course nodded and said I was right. Just like I did when I was her age and how I still do now when people older than me tell me that THESE are the “good old days.”
Live Each Moment As Our Last
We all agree but do we really know what we mean? We need to live each moment as if it is our last. We have to be here NOW. Each breath is the only one we are guaranteed. The future may never come and the past is gone.
I remember being in her exact same position in my life. We all have been. I couldn’t wait to grow up as a child. Once I was an “adult” (in my own 20 year old mind), I remember being in college and flat broke and itching to start my career. Believe it or not, I remember those days as some of the best in my life. There are times now when I would give anything to have my biggest worry be an upcoming exam or debating with my roommates if our money should be spent on food or other college activities.
There is a saying that youth is wasted on the young. I’ve always heard:
“It’s too bad you have to get old to get smart.”
That certainly goes for most of us, but it is not mandatory. Right now, we’re all studying and learning to truly be in the moment. We are learning to be more mindful. It is so crucial that we fully devote ourselves to this study because it doesn’t come naturally. We’re all so conditioned to look for the “next big thing”, that we can easily miss all of the beauty and wonders of our life around us.
Learn To Be In The Moment
This is what your meditation practice is all about. It is learning to truly be in the moment. Especially today, when we are always so connected to EVERYONE all of the time. Take some time for yourself to disconnect from all those things that aren’t with you right now so that you can appreciate and enjoy what is.
As far as any of us know, this is the only shot we get. Appreciate the people, things and situations in your life because they help to make you who you are. Even those who have caused you heartache, pain and frustration helped to write your story. Remember that if you’re still here, you’ve survived 100% of your worst days.
Be careful not to just “survive”. Thrive. Be present for everything to the best of your ability. In my experience, I have found that we end up missing even times that we perceived as dark. Be thankful for today and this moment. Be sure you let those around you know that you appreciate them.
If this was your last day in this form, did you live it how you wanted to? Do you have regrets? Did you say all you wanted to say to the people who needed to hear it?
There will always be struggle and the temptation to be myopic can be so, so great.
Train yourself to be better. – Rudy