As I was on my long hike in the woods today….I was thinking about how often we just don’t show up in our day. We are preoccupied with tomorrow or focused on something in the future. I read a great quote this morning as I started my day that got me thinking while I hiked (are you hiking in Hiketober by the way?!!)

“It is one of the saddest facts of human nature that we commonly only learn their value by their loss….There are times in the lives of most of us when we would have given all the world to be as we were but yesterday, though that yesterday had passed over us unappreciated and unenjoyed.”- Williams Edward Hartpole Lecky

I loved this quote because it is so true. How often we have regrets or miss something from the past, yet while in that moment, we didn’t fully appreciate or enjoy it. And this really applies to anything in our life. For example, our weight. We are always worried about weighing less verse appreciating what our body does for us and all the activities the body permits us to do. And I bet looking back at least once, you now think you looked amazing and ask why you were so worried about it back then. It can also apply to something less superficial, like a loved one that passes, family time that goes by too quickly and you soon miss, the aging of a child, the aging of a parent, your own aging, or passing of a season.

Like so much of what you read about mindfulness, it is about being present. In friendship, one of the biggest parts is just showing up. Making time and listening, laughing, and enjoying that time with your friend. Really the first step is so easy to connect with someone- just show up. And really show up. Not just physically but mentally and emotionally.

So this coming week, I am going to practice showing up. Showing up to my phone calls with friends and family, to my face to face interactions, and appreciate my mind, body, and soul for where they are at in this moment.

I am noticing this is becoming more natural for me now as well (I’m a work in progress but it does get easier). I am not so forward focused that I’m thinking about my following week over the weekend. Instead, I’m focused on that person, minute in time, or nature around me. And I am way more relaxed than I used to be. And I’m more appreciative. I’m laughing more. I’m smiling more. I am by far more grateful for every precious moment I have with those I love.

Just show up and all of a sudden, things feel lighter. You feel luckier. What is one area of your life you want to show up differently in moving forward? What do you want to celebrate more of in your present life this coming week?