Present Moments

Ok, I think God is trying to tell me something lately. I keep coming across the same message in the books that I read and the positive thinking e-mails that I am receiving. They are all reminding me of the importance of focusing on the present moments of my life.

This topic is nothing new to me. I have read a great deal about focusing on the moment. I have also written several other blog posts on the same topic. Although we can certainly learn from it, the past is gone forever. Although we need to prepare for it, the future is not yet here. In fact, the quality of our future is completely dependent on what we do with our present moments.

The challenge is to pour all of our energy in what we can do and control today. We may not like some of the present situations we are in. However, if we ask for God's help and go into it with a positive attitude and do all we can possibly do, I believe we will be blessed. Eventually, either the situation will not be unpleasant anymore, or we will end up in a more desireable place.

Focusing on the present moments also helps prevent procrastination. We mainly procrastinate either because we are afraid of repeating past mistakes, or we are uncertain about a future outcome. Instead, let us focus with tunnel vision on the present task. With our own determination and God's help, we can accomplish any task at hand, regardless of past failure or what the outcome could be.

I find this to be very helpful advice. I am thankful that I have been directed to those pages and to the people who are sending this information to my e-mail inbox. It has helped me, and I throw it out there for anyone else to try as well. I believe you will be pleasantly surprised.

Have an excellent day : )

I'll Be Happy When...

Lot's of things on this earth make me happy. The problem is that I have the tendency to want more. I'm not the only one. It's human nature. When we accomplish one goal we are already looking towards the next one.

I think back at times in my own life. In college I had many friends and was happy. However, I would really be happy when I had that special girlfriend I was missing. When I first moved from Long Island to Buffalo things went smoothly. But I would really be happy when I had that dream job. Later, my wife and I bought our first house. It was a big accomplishment. However, we would really be happy when we had our dream house in the suburbs instead of this starter house in the city.

Does this sound familiar? People (and as you can see I've been one of them) always say they will be happy when... However, we put ourselves in a difficult position because either "when" never comes or we try to automatically take the next step when it does instead of enjoying the moment.

How can we conquer this? In my recent readings I have seen the same message several times. I will break it down:

• Be thankful for what we have now - There is nothing wrong with asking for more or trying to be better. However, before we take the next step or ask for the next thing, let us constantly be thankful for where we are now.
• Be happy NOW!! Why spend our days worrying about tomorrow when today has enough concerns of its own? (see Matthew 6). If we are always waiting for certain things to be happy for, we may be waiting a very long time.
• Live as if we already have what we desire. Use the imagination to see life as we would want it. If it's money you desire, see yourself enjoying what you would be spending it on. If it's a relationship, see yourself as the ultimate partner enjoying the company of another. If it's better health, see yourself as healthy and doing the things you want to be doing. It's funny how these thoughts can quickly become reality.

My challenge for myself and anyone else is to be happy today. As a result, we will see life as more rewarding and positive. I also believe we will see a lot more positive manifest in our lives on a regular basis. There's no reason to wait. Why not put a smile on our faces and on those of others around us. Now!!

Have an excellent day : )