I subscribe to living in the moment, so why do I continuously slide down the sentimental trail of conjuring up stuff that makes me sigh? This morning, Dionne Warwick and I swooned like I was still 13 years old, sending a “Message to Michael” while I was “The Last One to be Loved.” Then, Jerry Butler cut in with his “Dreammaker.” That was this morning, but let me tell y’all what made me write this post.
Yesterday, I finally struck Christmas and put away my trimmings. I was in the midst of loading the ornaments in their cart when Bam…it hit. ’Thing is, I used to love to collect ornaments, so each one means something to me. Each ornament is attached to a time, place, or person, and I took time to reflect upon each one and remember. There were smiles and a bit of sadness, but after a while, into the cart, the ornaments went. However, my memories don’t fit in a cart; I tend to wallow in them.
My besties and I go way back to elementary school. Guess who remembers every detail of our stories? That would be me, but I must say I’m second to one bestie, Indria Perrilloux. It’s OK to relive old times, but I find I am relishing in the past a little too much. What to do? Actually, I’m doing it. What?!
I’m engaging with you. That’s the key: conscious engagement. But that’s not always easy either. How about picking up the old cell phone to film a stage event, or simply staying on the phone browsing or texting? GUILTY! I could do with tuning up my listening skills too. I’m always multitasking. While on the phone, I get a bazillion things done. Hmmm, the more I write, it seems the more I discover I have work to do.
I’m finding my way to be in the present by being conscious of everything I do – my traveling, cooking, exercise, writing, jewelry-making, and spiritual outreach. The other day I actually sat down and listened to a phone call. I find that when I sprinkle some gratitude on my actions, I can better settle into the moment.
I believe my sentimental journeys are a part of who I am, a devoted romantic. While I concede that memories are great, creating new ones is even better and keeps me… spicy. What?!
Joy Juice
We are truly in the midst of times that compel us to pay attention. Living in the moment takes conscious action. Indeed, our past impacts our future, but we know we can’t live there. Sentimental journeys are nice, but we know we are in the here and now, and we act like it.
“You cannot build a house for last year’s summer.” – African proverb
“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” – Psalm 118: 24
“Don’t get caught in the past, because the past is gone. Don’t get upset about the future, because the future is not yet here. There is only one moment for you to be alive, and that is the present moment.” Buddha’s teachings
“It’s all good/love/God” – Victorine
© 2024 Vicki Goldston, All rights reserved.
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Author of Be S.A.F.E., StillAware, Faithful, Excellent, now available on Kindle Amazon as an e-book.
“…the book title and its content are intended to be a whisper, reminding us that by connecting with our spiritual self, we can center through anything and that we are forever within the bubble of God’s protection.”
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