16 Creative Ways to Live in the Present Moment

The future is uncertain. Appreciate today, tomorrow may never be ours. It takes conscious effort to prevent our past from choking the present. Let's find out how we can strive to live in the moment.

We’re all in pursuit of a better tomorrow - better jobs, houses, finances, friends, etc. Don’t let the good moments of today get choked in the self-consciousness, stress and anxiety of today.

Don't Wait for Tomorrow to be Happy

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Although the past is an important part of our lives, dwelling too much on the negatives of yesterday and dissecting it apart can let our present slip away. Don’t let the baggage of the past steal your today.

Stop Dissecting the Past

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No way what happened was right or fair, but viewing ourselves as victims will only make things worse. Face today as a worthy opponent and not as a victim. The minute you choose to do so, you will find yourself in a better place.

Shun Victim Mentality

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Someone else has it better, more comfortable, and probably even more extravagant. Don’t let this get to you. Treasure the simple moments in life because contentment is true gain. Be grateful for what you have.

Don't Look Down on Simple Moments

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Unforgiveness is like drinking a glass filled with poison, hoping the person who hurt you will die. But who’s actually dying is you. Harboring unforgiveness will make you a bitter, unhappy person.

Forgive

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A practical way to make today better, is by getting up and doing something. An idle mind is a devil’s workshop. The minute you realize you’re thinking too much, switch activity.

Get up, Get Going

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A million reasons to cry - smile anyway! The physical act of smiling releases endorphins or happy hormones which in turn reduces stress levels. Even if you don’t feel like it, make an effort to smile more.

Smile Anyway

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Engage in some kind of physical activity of your choice. If you find gyming boring, try hiking, walking tours, etc. Physical activity will keep you active, edifying your body and mind.

Engage in Physical Activities

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Every city offers a variety of local workshops. One day workshops are practical and engage you without long-term commitments. Cooking, painting, games, gardening  workshops, etc. are great ways to meet and interact with new people.

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Local One Day Workshops

Simple acts of kindness can make a difference in someone else’s life. This doesn’t change your outward reality but it will leave you inspired and positive. Bringing a smile to someone else transforms your inner soul. Join any organization of your choice.

Volunteer Your Services

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When we’re down, redirecting our energy is a good start. Read motivational books or articles online. Allow positive content and stories of people who have overcome adversity to inspire you to soldier on.

Read Motivational Content

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For those of us who find it difficult to get our minds to focus on reading, watching inspirational talk shows and movies can be effortless and inspiring. Talk shows can be entertaining, informative and even inspiring at times.

Watch Inspirational Movies

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Rather than fretting about all the things that have been taken away from you, shift your focus on what you have currently. It can be simple things like your education, personality, skill sets, etc. The irony of life is that what you have in your hand is what is someone else’s dream. Count your blessings.

Count your Blessings

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Simple things you have at home can go a long way in helping someone in need. Give away things you don't need, instruments you aren't playing, crockery you aren't using. Look around and see how you can help someone in a small but meaningful way. Bringing joy to others always brings joys to the soul.

Use What's 'in' Your Hand

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What has happened in your life cannot be changed, but you do have a choice on how to respond. This will help you find a way out of the situation rather than spiral out of control.

What Can I Do to Make Today Better

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We often presume happiness as an emotion brought to us by those around us, but the bitter truth is we are responsible for our happiness. Choosing happiness doesn’t mean downplaying our present affliction. It just means we choose not to let circumstances or people control our lives.

Happiness is a Choice

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