97. live in the present

We live most of our lives in our head. Thinking and worrying about the consequences of what might come from our past decisions and future actions. Rarely are we ever present in the moment. We are really only anxious about what might be, but never what is. The anxiety that comes from contemplating whether or not you should kiss that person, the response you’ll receive from a work presentation, or what will happen once you step on stage to perform is all extinguished in the moment. There is no longer what if, only what is. We worry about the past and future, but all there is, is now. The funny thing is that worrying is a form of praying for what you don’t want. If you are consistently anxious about underperforming or failing, there is a greater likelihood that will happen because you are bringing so much attention to it. If you think about the last time you were worried about something you had to do, you’ll probably remember all the negative thoughts that existed before and after, but never during. You can’t be afraid in the moment because your mind is focused on performing, not analyzing. If we know that our best effort is made without worry, why do we continue to allow the ghosts of consequence to creep in?