If I do not get down to business and start working on my new blog post, April will be gone with the blink of an eye. Once you get back to the routine of writing, it is actually addictive and you often find yourself thinking of possible topics, noting down ideas, compiling lines from lyrics, from films, from anywhere. It is such a great feeling, your brain bustling away, your inspiration going wild, your thoughts becoming perfect sentences. I find it exciting trying to find the theme of a blog: it seems impossible, it looks like a dead end, it appears that you are out of resources, but then, a genius idea comes up and you can not stop mind mapping the topic. You can’t help but smile: you have done it again! Sometimes, despite all the planning and plotting, your inspiration decides to take you on a completely different track. These are the joys of writing, everything can evolve into something unexpected, anything can change at any moment, nothing is definite until you press publish.
Over the last few weeks, as time flies by, far too fast, the thought of rushing through life has me preoccupied. I am well aware that I cannot stop the clock from moving forward, I cannot stop months flying by, I cannot stop this fast speed train called life. However, I can make a real effort to pause and relish every second. This was the topic of one of my blogs back in 2020 (Carpe Diem), four years later I am back to writing about the seize the moment approach. It is always good for the soul to pause, breathe in and focus on the here and now. Unfortunately, it is too easy to forget to be present. Unfortunately, it is too difficult to remember to enjoy every moment. Fortunately, I can remind myself of the importance of being mindful.
There is no need to do something super extraordinary. There is no point in making plans for the best day ever. There is no use in trying to create the perfect ambient. It is simply a matter of pausing and being present. Those little things are the ones that really matter when it comes to being alive. It is easier to focus on the bigger picture though. I am making an effort to retrain my mind to stop, to pause, to relish as many memories as possible, before it is too late and I miss out on too many special moments.
Very often, I have to think if I have had breakfast or what I ate, even though it was just a couple of minutes ago. Crazy isn’t it? This is not because I cannot remember things, it is just because I was multitasking while eating my cereals: I was checking the weather for the following day, I was also adding stuff to the shopping list, I was deciding what to have for dinner, I was trying to remember what had to be done, I was talking on the phone. No wonder why I could not think of what I had eaten for breakfast. I was everywhere else except for being at the table paying attention to what I was tucking in. Such a terrible habit! Mindful eating: actively focusing on what you have on your plate and relishing every single bite. That coffee when you get to the office, that cupán tae after a long day away from home, that slice of apple tart you treat yourself to, that piece of dark chocolate you sneak out of the fridge, that delicious dinner your partner has ready for you. Do not waste them; take pleasure in savouring each bite, each sip, each spoonful. Be mindful and turn them into a very special memory!
The thing is that we are so busy multitasking that we miss out on those things that matter. We are too busy making plans for tomorrow, for the weekend, for the summer, that we forget to enjoy the moment. We are far too busy getting things done, that we end up rushing through life. Just simply stop, pause, and be present. When was the last time you took your time in preparing lunch without keeping an eye on the clock? When was the last time you made sure to enjoy your shower rather than going as quickly as possible so other tasks could be done? When was the last time you sat down with a book and got lost among its pages? When was the last time you played one of your CDs, sang along and danced as if nobody was looking? When was the last time you looked at the stars on a summer night?
It has taken me longer to finish this blog than I thought. The thing is that I have taken my time; I had plenty of days left so there was no pressure. That is another trap, pressure to meet deadlines, urge to finish as many tasks as possible, stress to achieve what you are expected to. Pressure, urge, stress easily effortlessly lead you to forgetting about the here and now. Stop, breathe in and bring yourself back to the moment. When was the last time you sat outside in the garden to listen to the birds singing? When was the last time you made yourself a cupán tae and simply enjoyed it without your mind distracting you with your overthinking? When was the last time you went for a long walk on the beach letting the sea take your worries away? When was the last time you left your phone in your bedroom so you could disconnect? When was the last time you looked at the stars on a cold night?
We always think that we have plenty of time left, that we can postpone what matters until tomorrow, that we will get down to it when our current situation has improved. However, what if tomorrow never comes? Seize the moment, carpe diem to the full and embrace every single moment, every single opportunity, every single here and now. Procrastination, that old friend who always encourages you to postpone your dreams, your hopes, your plans. Regret, that unwanted present which will stampede into your life when you realise it is actually too late. Guilt, that feared gremlin which will join in to constantly remind you that you should have gone for it, that you should have not delayed it, that you have missed your chance! When was the last time you went for a drive without the pressure of trying not to be late? When was the last time you poured yourself a glass of wine and mindfully relished it? When was the last time you made sure you had enough enjoy doing your makeup in the morning before leaving? When was the last time you went to the supermarket without rushing to get to the till so you could be back home to do other things? When was the last time you looked at the stars on a clear night?
Do never forget that life is too short, so make Carpe Diem your motto. Stop, pause and be present. Do never forget that tomorrow may be too late, so make seize the moment your motto. Stop, pause and be present. Always remember the importance of here and now, so relish every single moment. Stop, pause and be present.
Look at the stars on a cold clear night: my mindful therapy suggestion!
Jay Cee Moon ©
Jaycee Moon 