“Something wonderful begins to happen with the simple realization that life, like an automobile, is driven from the inside out, not the other way around. As you focus more on becoming more peaceful with where you are, rather than focusing on where you would rather be, you begin to find peace right now, in the present. Then, as you move around, try new things, and meet new people, you carry that sense of inner peace with you. It’s absolutely true that, ‘Wherever you go, there you are.’”
Richard Carlson, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Beyond the Quote (140/365)
One of the tragedies that we experience every day is missing out on the moment because we’re somewhere else. Our consciousness is constantly twisted up in what already happened and what we’re anticipating might happen next. And I’m not talking about a few moments out of every day—I’m talking about the vast majority of our moments every day. Let’s see how the following examples sits with you.
You wake up in the morning and think about breakfast. You get to breakfast, but now you’re thinking about showering. You get to the shower, but now you’re thinking about what to wear. You get to your closet, but now you’re thinking about work. You get to work, but now you’re thinking about getting home. You get home, but now you’re thinking about dinner. You get to dinner, but now you’re thinking about what to watch on TV. You get to the TV, but now you’re thinking about social media. You check your timelines, but now you’re thinking about bed. You get to bed, but now you’re thinking about having to wake up. And so it goes.
Or, the second example that happens quite frequently is the “stuck in a loop” scenario. You wake up in the morning and remember what that person said to you yesterday. You get to breakfast and think more about what that person said to you yesterday. You take a shower and wonder why that person said what they said to you yesterday. You get dressed and wonder if you did something wrong. You go to work and think about whether they did something wrong. You get home and debate whether or not you want to do something about it. You get to dinner and decide to weigh the pros and cons of doing something. You watch TV and go on social media to distract yourself from thinking about doing something because it’s a lot to think about. You go to bed and realize you are no further in knowing what to do because you watched TV and zoned out on social media. You lay in bed and think about what that person said to you all over again. You can’t sleep because you can’t get it out of your head. And so it goes.
Do you see the tragedy? Now, of course, this is a watered down version of what actually goes down in a person’s day and the complexities of what actually goes down in their head—but, the point stands. When you’re living in the future and thinking about the past, you’re not where you are. You miss the chance to savor your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You miss the chance to immerse yourself in gratitude for GETTING to shower, for HAVING clothes, for GETTING to drive to work, for HAVING a TV and phone. You miss the chance to whole-heartedly connect with the people in your circle—family, friends, acquaintances, and strangers that you cross paths with throughout your day. You miss the chance to build memorable moments and beautiful connections. And so on.
So, here’s your task for the days ahead, as Richard Carlson points out: focus on becoming more peaceful with where you are throughout your day—and you will carry that inner peace and present-mindedness with you. When you’re eating breakfast, lunch, or dinner—savor every bite. When you get to shower, wear fresh clothes, drive a car, go to work, watch TV, use your phone, sleep in a bed—express gratitude. When you’re crossing paths with people, both familiar and unfamiliar—seek to offer genuine and authentic connection (if you’re so inclined). And when you’re at work, be at work. When you’re at home, be at home. When you’re driving your car, be with your car. When you’re doing housework, be with the housework. When you’re with your family, be with your family. Missing moments of our life is tragic, but soaking in moments of our life in full has to be one of our greatest achievements.
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Don't Let the Motivation Stop There...!
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