Finding time to be in the moment when you are either looking forward to an event, or dreading one, can be a big time challenge.
It’s not unusual to have something on the horizon that you are anticipating, is it? But if it overshadows the present, then you are losing your now to your future.
If I have an event two days in the future that I am looking forward to, how do I manage my time until it arrives? I have 48 precious hours. Time is absolute and concrete. No matter how we feel about what an hour holds, it will always be 60 minutes — and those minutes will always each include 60 seconds. There is no changing that. I don’t want to be simply marking time while I wait for my future to arrive!
This is an area where time boundaries can be very helpful. Think of your boundary as a way to keep your eyes and your energy focused so you can be in the moment. It may help to think of this as an actual, concrete fence or wall that you can’t see beyond. You might also think of your future event as a reward for focusing on the now! This will keep you in the present – and you’ll be doubly rewarded!
If, conversely, the future event is something that you are dreading then your challenge is twofold:
- You don’t want to be in denial about your future, nor do you want it to ruin your present. Be sure that you have done everything that you need to do to prepare for what’s coming. Then bring your focus back to the moment. Each time it wanders, gently bring it back.
- Devise small rewards for yourself, so that as you prepare for your event, and as you focus on the present moment, you give yourself positive reinforcement. This may have the added benefit of helping you to change your perspective on the event that you are dreading.
Living in the moment is one of the greatest gifts that we can give ourselves.
This moment is what you have — how do you stay focused and present to it? I’d love to hear!
What if you could find another hour every day? You can! You are invited to sign up and download The New Finding Time Boundary Template. It’s FREE, and when you sign up you will also receive (if you don’t already) my FREE, weekly Finding Time Tips and my FREE, monthly Award-Winning Finding Time E-zine!
Let’s explore time together …
Great point! Not easy, but so worth working for… I always loved Ludwig Wittgenstein’s quote, which I first encountered in college:
“If we take eternity to mean not infinite temporal duration but timelessness, then eternal life belongs to those who live in the present.”
I totally agree. In my practice as a professional organizer, I speak to clients about boundaries, choices, and habits both in regards to organizing space and organizing time.
Thanks very much, Alison and Janice, for your comments! I love the Wittgenstein quote – and Janice, I love your site and the wealth of information you share there. Here’s to organizing time and space! That pretty well covers it, doesn’t it? ;>)