Seneca wrote, “While we are postponing, life speeds by.”

In other words, as we’re planning for something in our lives to happen, develop, or take place, life is speeding by all the while.

We do our best to control the future; we set goals and make plans, the whole time hoping the future brings a positive place we wish to spend time. We do our best to mitigate challenges and setbacks. We wait for the perfect time to start…

The problem is we let life pass us by in the present. And, there is never a perfect time to start. We are anxious trying to steer the future, regretful or second guessing the decisions we made in the past, and miss life as it’s happening right now.

The best to do it can be in two places at once; they plan for the future but simultaneously enjoy the now. How can we all achieve this?

“Presence” is a practice.

Tools available to you include meditation, putting away digital distractions, making extra space in your schedule for socialization and play, eating meals sitting down at a table (rather than while talking on the phone, watching TV, or driving). Seeking ways to be physically present; for instance, try jumping into a cold tub of water. We promise whatever you were thinking about before is now not a worry in the world…you’re just trying to stay warm. Doing more activities that encourage “food, shelter, water” as your only needs is a great way to be present (hint: think hard, outdoor, physical adventures).

We’re not suggesting to ignore the future; we are, in fact, serial goal setters. It’s simply about learning to recognize the present, take time to feel gratitude in real time (not just in hindsight), and slow down.

We’re bringing this up because you’re about to hear a lot of talk about planning for 2023. “Finish strong!”, you’ll hear frequently. Your next set of New Year’s Resolutions are just a month away. We’re encouraging you to pay attention to right now, too.

There is so much life to be grateful for going on right now. There will never be a perfect time to begin; the best time is right now. You can set up your future to be successful and still be joyful, present, and content right now.

Stop postponing your happiness. Stop postponing a better present, whether it be a business, asking someone on a date, calling your sibling, or going on a trip you want. Stop postponing life; it’s always happening, it just takes a minute to stop and smell the roses.

Have the best day ever.