Just be where you’re at

“Again. This never happens again. This is that once in a lifetime. This is a thrill divine.” John Holt, Again.

These are the opening lyrics of a favourite song of mine. And for many reasons, they never cease to resonate. They are a reminder to be in the moment that you are in. To be fully present no matter what it is you’re doing because it won’t happen again.

It is also a reminder that even the quiet, low key moments are once in a lifetime. You may not be doing anything big or special, but they won’t happen again either and should be cherished just the same. I hope you have something or someone who reminds you of this too.

Soak it all in

Sometimes it’s lovely to just be in a state of peace. Where life feels tranquil. Those rare moments, when no-one else is occupying your spirit, causing you to be on edge or feeling uptight. To know there is nothing in your mind other than your own thoughts is a joy.

Some of you may relate to this feeling when you’re on the ski slopes, sailing out at sea or lying on a beach. Or it could be that you are in your present state when you are doing something just for you, an expedition, a triathlon, a sporting event, gardening or just sitting, reading, listening to the radio or in silence. Everyone has their thing.

You don’t need to photograph it. You don’t need a note pad. You just need to soak it in. It sounds so easy and yet for many of us, it can be an effort to remember to do just that. Soak up that one unique moment.

The age of endless distractions

In today’s world especially, there always seems to be something that breaks the moment. It might be the to do list ever present at the back of your mind; someone asking you to do something; another demand on your time – work, family, emails, calls….the list goes on.

Sometimes, we may feel that we are missing out on something else. Someone has posted a photo or sent a text sharing what they are doing (the phone is so often the catalyst for the interruption). It takes thoughtful effort to think well, that’s good for them, but it’s not right for me in this moment. What’s important right now is my one moment.

Live your life your way

‘Doing you’ as they say, is surely more important than doing something that someone else is doing. They’re having their moment (even if they were clearly on their phone while doing it!). Why don’t you focus on having yours? 

And when you embrace each moment in this way, it allows you to live your life your way. You don’t need to compare yourself to others – friends, family, celebrities, social media ‘friends’. You live your life for you, for your moments. You learn that whatever it is that you are doing in that moment is right for you and importantly, won’t happen again. Big and small moments, exciting and quiet moments – each one is unique and then gone forever. So, it’s worth taking the time (and effort) to be present and really take it in. Just be where you’re at – in the moment and in life. That’s what really matters. Thank you John Holt for constantly reminding me of this.