On Being Present

My to-do list is quite daunting, though it’s not because of all the things I have to do. Of course there are things that absolutely must be done, but really, my list overflows with all that I want to do.

It’s easy for me to become overwhelmed at times and I frequently find myself trying to do a little of everything simultaneously. And truthfully it gets me nowhere. Attempting to read a book I’ve been dying to read while crocheting a blanket while watching the latest movie of choice … you get the idea. I find myself doing things from the list for the mere act of checking them off so I can move on to the next thing.

Recently it dawned on me just how much I’m missing by carrying on this way. How many heartfelt conversations have I missed because I was too busy with the latest project at hand? How many beautiful sunsets have I missed because I just had to knit a few stitches in the car?

Three weeks ago we went on our annual camping trip. This time, I took no books to read and no projects to finish. I came armed with warm clothes, food, and an open mind. I allowed myself to be completely in the moment, focusing on the friendly chatter around the campfire, and the beautiful scenery surrounding us. In doing so, I felt more accomplished and more content than perhaps ever been.

 And so I challenge you, and I will continue to challenge myself, to be present for all of life’s moments.

Image and words courtesy of Christen Olivarez, the Director of Publishing and Editor-in-Chief for Stampington & Company, one of the leading publishers of art and crafting magazines. To keep up to date on all-things Stampington, follow them on Twitter. To learn more about Christen, visit her blog.

And in keeping with the spirit of Giveaway May Stampington is giving 3 lucky readers copies of thier glorious magazines! Yay! Take it from us, we love these magazines! Leave a comment here between now and Sunday at midnight for your chance to win.

Comments

[Diane]

I do the same thing, I multi-task all of the time! I never just stop and enjoy something. I am always thinking of the next thing I want to do. Thanks for the reminder to slow down and enjoy.

[Esther]

beautiful, thoughtful post. thanks for reminding me to be in the present!

[Lis]

I hope it is not too late to enter!

[Debbie E]

I used to hate the outdoors. Once a year my mom would force me to go overnight with the girlscouts.Hike two mile hill to tent site where there was the bus that left us off at the bottom. Id roll my eyes everytime,even try to sneak to stay on the bus.
I now love camping and the outdoors. So much is on me now being a single mom (as all single moms) My to do list I dont even make anymore.Its to upsetting I never even got to it. Now I take it a day at a time and if I get something extra done,,I do and im happy about it. My days are filled with work,kid,errands,,if I get something done,,like yesterday got the hedges trimmed then its a good day and I just take it a day at a time :)

[Holly]

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