Now is Now

I mentioned last week that perhaps a shorter, less ambitious daily 'to-do' list might help me stay more present. Well, this week I gave that a try. I only put two or three things on my daily 'to-do' list (rather than five or six) and it turns out that in fact it is true: a shorter to-do list allows me more time and energy to focus on Now. With fewer things on the list clamoring for my attention, I felt less hurried, less frantic, and more able to take in the present moment.

After I finished the few tasks on my list I had the time, space, and energy to look out the window and notice the winter landscape in my backyard, to work on my vacation scrapbook, to read my book, to cuddle with my girls, to have a much needed conversation with Steve. I was able to focus on Now and on what was right in front of me, what recharges me, what brings me joy, what strengthens my relationships....

And you know what, everything that needed to get done still got done. I know that my desire to live a more present life can not come at the expense of my responsibilities, that there will always be things that need to be done (in my case this is always a load of laundry or cooking), but with fewer things on my daily list I have more room to breath. I am doing what needs to be done but leaving space to enjoy the present.

This reminds me of one of my favorite quotes by Gretchen Rubin: "By doing a little bit each day you can get a lot accomplished." So true, my friends, so true. So long as I remember to focus on "doing a little every day" I can get done what needs doing, and still have the time, space and energy to enjoy the day that I am living Now.

(Read more about Now is Now here)