Write Yourself Happy | 5 Things To Do To Be Present In Your Life Now

I discovered Shannon's blog, Smile and Write, last month and learned that she had a very cool link-up that happens every Thursday! It's called Write Yourself Happy. For the months of April and May, the topics were all lists! And we know, I'm a lover of lists! 

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For this week's list, Shannon encouraged us to think of 5 things we could do right now to be present in our lives. I loved this challenge, because it helps us to think about now. We often think about the future and what we want to do (30x30 or Bucket Lists) or the past and what we can't change. Thinking about just today is often easier, taking a breath, and just taking one day at a time. Of course we should be intentional in planning for the future, but just thinking about future days can stress me out sometimes. I don't want to miss where God has me right now, here in this season. I want to be present. 

Enough said and easy enough. I've had it listed on my monthly goals for the past two months to spend one day a week away from all electronics. There are some days where I don't even open my computer, but I hardly ever get away from my phone. Our lives are ruled by technology today. And while it is one of the things I'm thankful for, it's nice to escape it all and get off the grid sometimes. 

Talking on the phone is definitely NOT one of my most favorite things to do. I'm often not the first one to initiate a phone call, even with family. It sounds horrible. It's not that I don't want to talk to them, I just don't enjoy talking on the phone. I'm way better with written words. However, I live hours away from most of my family and want to be intentional with them besides just holidays when I actually see them in person. 

Writing is not only a stress reliever for me, but it also helps to remind me of all that is around me. Whether I'm recording about a place I've been or writing down the things I'm thankful for or the things I want to do. I want to recognize all the blessings around me every day. Because, they are there and I want to be aware of them. 

This one was also on Shannon's list! Out of everything on this list, this is probably the easiest for me to do all the time. I LOVE being outside. Whether I'm outside exercising, reading a book, or just laying in my hammock, being outside is one of my favorite ways to pass the time. It is the best place to reflect and bask in God's glory and beautiful creation. 

And this is probably the hardest thing on this list! I've gotten better at complaining...at least I think I have. I don't often talk negatively about everything around me or complain about every little thing. Unless it's been an absolute terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day (anybody get this reference?) and I'm in a venting session with a friend. Or I get frustrated and annoyed with where God has me. Hey, it happens. This goes back to number 3. Whenever I find myself complaining, I want to stop, and think about the good. I want to think about what God is doing and what He is trying to teach me. After all, complaining about it won't change it. 

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What are 5 things you can do right now to be present in your life? 
What is the easiest thing to do? What is the hardest?

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