This Is It

When I was a kid, I loved listening to Delilah on the radio.

I was a new driver in high school when I heard her say something along the lines of this:

Everyone’s always waiting for SOMETHING to finally be happy. Once I graduate college, THEN I’ll be happy. Once I pass this test, THEN I’ll be happy. Once I get married, THEN I’ll be happy. Once I get pregnant, THEN I’ll be happy. Once my kids are older, THEN I’ll be happy.

As a 16 year old, those words changed my perspective on how I chose to live my life…and have resonated in my mind repeatedly any and every time I have similar thoughts.

The entire point Delilah was trying to make here… 

Is the fact that we’ll never be satisfied in life if we keep waiting for things to be over to be content.

There will always be something new we take on.

New challenges, new life experiences, and some… may not have even been in our plans.

I hear it often as a coach and friend.

People believe that once their current stresses are over, they’ll be able to “relax”.

I’m very honest in saying…

NOT REALLY! 😉

There will always be something new to figure out.

So what’s my point!?

We have to learn to live and enjoy our life NOW… not “WHEN”.

THIS IS IT!

THIS is your life.

And it’s happening to you… right now.

Every day that you wait for things to pass…

It’s just another day you’ll never get back.

And yes, don’t get me wrong…

The tedious tasks and driving kids to and from activities can become a lot…

And sure, not always “fun”.

But it is my belief that not everything has to be “fun” to have purpose and meaning.

Use those boring tasks and driving opportunities to bond with your kids…

Or send kind thoughts or prayers to loved ones while you do dishes or fold laundry.

Maybe you are going through a rough time, and you DO believe you’ll be happier when it’s over..

That’s fair, and valid…

But also consider how you can enjoy life NOW, even still.

Days, weeks, months, and years FLY by. ESPECIALLY as we get older.

And I have noticed that many people around my age – midlife –  are in the season of “the big rush”…

We’re all just focused on rushing to the next thing and checking things off the list…

But are we connecting with our kids and/or those around us?

Are we making memories?

Are we leaving an impact?

Are we having tough conversations?

Are we taking time to ask questions and allow others to feel seen and heard?

Are we remaining kind, even in our busy and clouded states of mind?

These things matter…

And they don’t need to be set on the back burner until whenever “THEN” arrives.

Living in the present can be very hard…

Especially if we’re not used to doing it.

But I challenge you to practice it this week.

Start with catching yourself and noticing when you do look forward to something ending to enjoy life.

Make a mental note to acknowledge a quality moment with a friend or loved one…

Give those hugs…

And have those chats.

Your life is happening now.

And it’s ready for you to LIVE it.

Believing in us, always.