Living Life in the Present

Embrace the moment.
You only live once.
Live your life.
...
The list goes on and on of all the cliche sayings that we may experience on a daily basis. Advertising media promotes and claims a freeing and individualized experience by buying or using their product. So many of us may succumb to this desire to live to the fullest and more fully connect with those around us whether they are celebrities who don't even know your name or your next door neighbor who has known your family for twenty years.

 We have made such great advanced in technology in the last few years that we are at the point where we can instantly queue up any number of social media websites and get an update from five hundred of your closest friends.  In concept it sounds great and in many ways it can be great.  For example, my dad's family has spread out across the country and email and social media are great for quickly connecting with them or sending them a message that can be read at their convenience even though they are three time zones behind us. Social media can be great at uniting us in that concept, however just as equally strong it can divide us from those same people. We may get together with them one or two times a year depending on the occasion. At those family gatherings when there is a lull in the conversation or a moment that you may find dis-interesting you may be tempted to whip out your phone and feel like you are connecting with someone by keeping up with their news feed. Even though the people you are clicking on and liking their photos are people you see more often than the distant family you feel connected to someone.

I challenge you to be present in the moment in which you are in.  You may think it sounds easy but in this new interconnected age we too often find ourselves living our lives though a five inch phone screen.  We are losing the ability to interact with those around us and it is disturbing.  The people in your life are only around you for a limited amount of time, you are only around for a limited amount of time.  The next time you find yourself tempted to catch up on social media ask yourself, who do I have right here with me that I should be catching up with.  Think of how much better people would know their co-workers, their friends, and even their immediate family.

Being present doesn't have to be hard, just be observant and engaged. Imagine if you had something you felt important to share with someone, wouldn't you want their full and undivided attention or would you rather they be nodding halfheartedly while they stare at the three hundred dollar device they constantly have on their person.  Your notifications will be there waiting for you, the other person may not.  Try putting down your phone and being present in the environment you are in, you may be surprised what you don't know about those closest to you.