Living Life in the Moment
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| Photo: S.Migol |
"I got called a MILF," a friend disclosed on Sunday, trying to decide if she was pleased or pissed. This is an intended compliment — A crass affirmation that she looks nice. But never mind whether or not she wanted that kind of attention. The little bugger who said it could not know that she had children! It was simply obvious that she looked plenty old enough to have them.
This triggered a lengthy conversation about preparing to turn the BIG FOUR-OH. That birthday that's looming in the subconscious. This woman is my age, which means we have years — that's plural — years before that milestone to go.
When I spoke to Cecilia the next night, getting comfortable with the idea of forty came up again. Cecilia is even younger than me, which means she has years plus three months before the window of thirty-something closes. But she spends most of her time on a college campus, which gives her an interesting perspective. She's mere months away from becoming Dr. Cecilia, and part of her education is teaching incoming freshman.
"Sometimes I get a glimpse of myself through their eyes," she said. "And they have no concept that questions about your life and its direction continue past age 35."
We had a good belly laugh about that, because it's so clear to us now — There will always be more questions than answers. With age you're just more willing to accept that you really don't know jack.
But I remember being 18 and ready to conquer the world with my vast knowledge. I was going to pick up everything else I didn't already know during my classes in college. I never tried to imagine life at thirty-five, or even twenty-five, because it was just too far away.
Time just seemed to last longer then.
Why?
I didn't have time to contemplate time because I was too focused on the moment.
I'm wondering now how come that changed, because it's a significant shift in perspective. I've spent the last decade preparing for and getting used to the milestones, which may have taken my attention away from some of the moments. That's why this article from The Huffington Post got my attention today:
What The Happiest and Most Successful Women Do Differently
There it is. Item #1 on the list. The happiest, most successful women focus on moments more than goals, plans or dreams. Assuming this research is credible, I'm going to learn from it, and just be what I am today.
Posted by TheWordWire at 10/2/2009 3:38 PM 
Categories: Timeshifted Perspective,Life Skills,Pearls of Wisdom
Categories: Timeshifted Perspective,Life Skills,Pearls of Wisdom
I had a dream last night that 40 was going to be my best decade ever - and that I am going to be a hottie!
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Mmmm-hmmm. You're going to be a cougar, aren't you...
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That's the plan. I always did like the young mayns.
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I can't wait to hear the stories!
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It's probably a reflection of the people I spend my day around, but lately I have had several encounters that startled me out of my illusion of being the young un' that I feel like I am. Whenever that realization starts to bring me down, I try to remember that every day I am lucky just to be here- alive and well. That must mean I'm just luckier than those who are younger than me. See- it's all in the perspective.
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Who are these people shattering your illusions? It is all in perspective... but I happen to know that in your case it's reality you YOUNGUN!
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Oh lord if I could master this ability I think I could increase my happiness levels by a million percent. It seems so silly, the idea that it's difficult to live in the moment, yet I feel it's one of the things I struggle with on a daily basis.
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It will always be a struggle for me too, probably. For now, I'll settle for the reminder not to wish today away. Thanks for your comment.
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