You should prioritize, and learn to recognize what’s important in your life. You’ll be able to see how much being in the now affords you.
So, for example, put your family and friends first. Be with your parents and friends when they need you. Remind yourself about what is important, and postpone what isn’t.
My daughter went off to college not too long ago, and I made a conscious decision during her last year at home that when she got home after school, I stopped what I was doing and spent time with her. No matter how “important” whatever it was that I was doing, I would go to my daughter’s room, or we’d hang out in the kitchen.
Another personal example comes from my friend Brian, a dedicated single parent. He stops everything when his kids tell him a story, and he really listens to them. I’ve observed him doing this, and seeing him really pay attention to his children helped me realize that I need to be more present in the now. I make the effort to do that. It’s important in life that you do not define yourself by what goes on around you, by your profession or title, but by who you want to be.
When you live in the context of KARL™ it’s not necessarily about feeling perfectly blissful and fulfilled around the clock.
Rather the “L” in KARL™ is a gentle reminder that serves to bring you back to the present so that you can look at yourself to check that you’re truly here or already 10 steps ahead of yourself.
Ask yourself if you really need to be doing busy work, or if there is something else in this moment that you can take away that might be more fulfilling. It takes a little bit of effort, but with a clear objective and a good mindset, you will find it is much easier than you imagined it to be.
Think about this. Tell me what efforts you’ve made to stay in the present – keep it a day, an hour, a moment at a time. And tell me how your outlook on life has changed as a result. I’d love to hear from you. Your insights and experiences enrich us all. Thank you for sharing!