One year ago today I did a crazy thing.
I said goodbye to a great job. I closed a chapter of my career and started a new story.
New can seem so shiny and exciting, at least at first. But then there’s that element of the unknown, which can be scary.
I don’t know how this new story will unfold, or even what the next paragraph holds.
I’m learning it’s better to live in the present, rather than dwelling on the familiarity of the past or fixating on an unpredictable future.
God will give us exactly what we need for today. We can trust him to write our story, one word at a time.
Show me your ways, Lord,
Psalm 25:4-5
teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
Maybe you’re thinking, That’s cool, Chels, but HOW do I live in the present?
Great question. This has been an issue for me lately, so I wanted to share a few things I’m implementing in hopes that it may help you, too.
1. Practice silence and solitude
Slip away by yourself for a few moments of silence every morning. Get up 30 minutes earlier if need be. Cozy up with your coffee (or whatever you prefer first thing in the morning) and savor the stillness. Breathe deeply. Dedicate your day to the Lord. Ask him for guidance and strength for today. Read a psalm — perhaps Psalm 25. Or Psalm 23. Co-create your to-do list with God. Ask him to help you prioritize your day.
2. Limit social media
I tend to seek solace in the squares and stories on Instagram. Scrolling is second nature. Time flies by, and I’m spending my days watching other people’s lives rather than living my own. (Ugh!) If you’re anything like me, maybe you could benefit from an intervention. Set a time limit on your social sites of choice. Or take a break altogether. Fill that time with something good for your soul. Or leave that time open to just be.
3. Embrace the mundane moments
Every single moment, God sees you (Psalm 139). Every minute is ripe for remembering God’s presence and building a relationship and an awareness of him with you … as you do the dishes, prepare that big presentation, drive to work, and all the other demands of the day. Learn to adore God all day long, in the big and small moments, and watch him change your perspective. Grab this free resource (from my favorite author) that gives you a truth about God to meditate on each day of the month.
4. Take a walk
Step outside, sans distractions. Deny your earbuds and instead soak in your surroundings. Replace your playlists and podcasts with the symphony of creation. The movement will make you feel better. And you’ll position yourself to be fully present, basking in the beauty of nature and connecting with your Creator (Psalm 19).
These tips are just the tip of the iceberg. I’m sure you have things to add to this list. So leave a comment with your tried-and-true practices for living in the present. Let’s learn from each other!
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