Stop What You Are Doing
I am guilty of going through life like I am going through a to-do list. The satisfaction of ticking an item off the list is short-lived because there are more items to knock off. Engrossed in what comes next, trying to speed run through life. Constantly saying to myself next I will do that, and then I will get this and then go there, and even after getting there, take a few photos and it’s on to the next one because what lies ahead is better than the now right?
A master’s degree, a flipping master’s degree. I went through 7 years of higher education and the only thing on my mind is, where am I going to work. Forgetting to relish the moment to pat myself on the back for a job well done, consumed by and valuing myself on whether I succeed in a future goal instead of my current achievement.
I wasted the moments. By not taking time to contemplate these small wins I short-sold myself. Our present value is determined by our current achievements, not by what hasn’t happened in the future. I remember thinking I was useless because I didn’t have a job or bought a car, travel to someplace, and so on. Forgetting that if I do not know how to relish what I currently have what difference will attaining the next best thing make. Not being able to appreciate present moments means that even if I attain those things I will not be satisfied because I am unable to truly enjoy and take in the moment for what it is. The moment is wasted.
A moment forgotten is a moment wasted but a moment appreciated, remembered, and contemplated on is like mana for the soul, marrow for our bones, and a sweet summer song. It adds more to what you go on to achieve. Like bread crumbs on a path, it shows where you are and have been, which at times is more important than where you are going. Take the time to take it in.
Thank you for reading.
