The Magic in Staying Present

I’m part of a writing program that is helping me stay focused and create a structure in which to write my book. We had a conference today where we could ask questions. It was really clear to me that everyone was so excited about the program, but they were also possibly even more excited about the end result: finishing their book and having it published.
This is completely understandable. There are times when I also wish I could fast forward to several months from now when my book is completed, published, and available to buy and be read. I could save myself the possible pain of having to look within and the struggle of actually writing the book.

But if I fast forwarded to where my book is complete, and everything is all tied up in a neat bow, I would also miss all of the good stuff that is bound to happen in my life between now and then – both internally and also externally.

I would miss learning how to write a book. All of these great lessons and assignments that are part of this process.

I would miss the process of writing – the discipline of sitting at my computer every day and holding myself accountable to write for at least one hour.

I would miss the part where I get to excavate my inner wisdom. I get to dig deep within and see what’s there. I get to uncover all of the layers of gunk that are covering up my soul, and I get to let my higher self lead the way.

I would miss being able to pat myself on the back after I had a breakthrough.

If I skipped ahead, I would miss all that is happening right now. 

I would miss the journey.
And isn’t that what it’s all about – growing and learning on this journey?

So let’s stay right here. Even if it seems hard or even if the future seems brighter and more fun. Let’s go through the steps to get to the future. They are laid out one in front of the other for us. Let’s start walking (or even running) toward our future. But let’s make sure to step on each stone on our way there and enjoy the journey.

P.S. – If you live in southern Oregon, please come to Dan’s workshop tomorrow at the Holistic Faire in Grants Pass! It’s called: 3 Steps to Manifesting Happiness. It’s at 1pm, and it’s completely free! We’ll also be there with our Soulful Journals. Hope to see you there!

Enjoying the Process

Yesterday I wrote about setting aside time to celebrate and reward yourself after completing a goal. It’s so important to pat yourself on the back before moving onto the next task. 
It’s also equally important to enjoy the process and learn to stay present 
while you are working on the task at hand. 

Melissa from the wonderful Bubby and Bean brought this up, and it inspired me to write today’s post about doing just that! 
How often do you find yourself working on a project and either just racing to get through it so you can check it off the list or find yourself spacing out and not really able to stay in the moment and enjoy the act of actually doing it? 
And this goes for any type of project – creating, cleaning, working, errands, cooking, etc. 
The next time you are working on a project, try to stay mindful and present while you are doing it. Instead of thinking about the outcome or the next project or what’s for dinner or how much laundry you have to do – just stay with it and really be aware of that moment. 

Enjoy yourself and find joy in creating or working or just doing.

Let’s all try this today!
Let’s choose a project and make sure that we enjoy ourselves and stay completely present while we are working on it.
Let’s not even think about finishing it or the outcome or the next step.
Let’s just stay in the moment and enjoy it for what it is.

Life happens in the present moment. 
And the more we can actually be present and enjoy this journey, the happier we will be.

Ahhhh….

🙂