My mother-in-law said something to me yesterday that got me thinking. She said, "Don't get so caught up in the waiting for something to happen that you don't enjoy today."
I know I often get trapped in the mindset of thinking that things will be great when I have an agent or things will be great when I'm published. When I start thinking that way, I don't let myself enjoy the things that are great today because there are many great things about today.
It's so easy to look ahead and wish for other--an ostensibly better--times. I'm not an expert, but it seems like one of the keys to happiness is to let yourself enjoy the now.
What about you? Is there anything you are enjoying today that you'd like to share?
Gotta love those wise mother-in-laws, or mothers-in-law? Whatever.
ReplyDeleteI needed to hear this. I get anxiety when I think about the future, what I want to happen, what might not happen, etc. So I'm going to focus on the things that I enjoy now. I really enjoy the time I get to spend writing. I love getting new ideas. I love the stories I've written, some more than others, but I love them all. No matter what happens career-wise, writing will be something special to me.
Thanks so much for this post today! I haven't been having this trouble in my writing, but in other things in my life. I think I'll use my writing to enjoy the the stage I'm in now. Because with the things that are coming up, I may not have as much time to write for a while.
ReplyDeleteLiesl--My husband often reminds me that I'm doing this because I love writing. Sometimes I get so caught up in all the Other Stuff and I forget that. We'll just have to keep reminding each other, right?
ReplyDeleteKaren--She actually said it referring to other things going on for us. I think it's good advice for most aspects in life. Good luck with everything!
What a great reminder! I do EXACTLY the same thing! It's so easy to get carried away thinking about when life will be perfect that you forget that it will *never* be perfect.
ReplyDeleteCaryn--I'm glad to know I'm not alone! Thanks for commenting!
ReplyDeleteI think you must have been talking about me. :) I'm constantly working on being more in the "now."
ReplyDeleteToday I'm enjoying watching my daughter's first unassisted steps, my oldest son reading to me, and my other son playing Indiana Jones - complete with hat and fake whip.
Stacy--It's hard to be in the "now" isn't it? You sound like you have some fun things to enjoy though. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThat's great advice. I'm going to enjoy the blue sky. I sure miss blue in the winter when everything turns gray and white.
ReplyDeleteLeisha--The blue sky is a good thing to appreciate and it was a gorgeous one today!!
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