Several of my friends are dealing with some challenging times – parents’ illnesses, death of loved ones, job losses, surgeries, etc. And I remember when I was in the hospital, wondering if I would ever walk again… rolling over the “what if’s” or the “I’ll never…” or “how will I”… and throwing myself into a very dark “doom & gloom” place.

I came to the realization, with the help of some beloved friends, that future tripping (as my Mom calls it) really doesn’t do any good. Because we don’t know what the future holds so all we can focus on is NOW. Focus on the people in your life NOW… the good in your life NOW… the beautiful day right in front of you NOW… the smiles of the people that you love NOW… that is what we have. No future tripping will make anything happen or not happen.

Take a moment today to find the blessings you have right here in this moment, the simple things that really are the most important, find someone to share a cup of coffee with, hug a friend, pick up the phone and call that person you’ve been thinking about, or just do a simple kindness for a stranger. When you release yourself from the pressure of future tripping, the NOW moments in your life become that much more precious.

LIVE NOW.