Whenever I find myself stressed and overwhelmed, worried and afraid, the chances are I am not “living in the IS.”
I was reminded of this today when I woke up before the alarm with my head filled with the huge projects on my “to do” list. I need to live in the “is.” Let me explain.
Living in the WAS
Have you ever heard a person that is constantly bemoaning the fact that things are changing? They constantly tell you how good things “used to be.” They can only see the bad in what is coming…and never the progress. These people are living in the WAS. This glorification of the past makes me sad for these folks. As Billy Joel said “The good old days weren’t always good, and tomorrow ain’t as bad as it seems.” Living in the WAS will create frustration and anger. It also fills your heart with regret. As much as you want to, you can’t turn back time. So stop trying.
Living in the WILL BE
The other source of stress comes from living in the “WILL BE.” As you know, I am a big believer in goals. As Jeff Haden says, when it comes to goals you need to “set it and forget it.” Many of us are constantly worried about what our clients will say, what our friends will think, what society will do. But all of those worries are complete fabrications! You (and I) are debilitated by stress and worry about an event that has not (and might not ever) happened.
Living in the IS
Living in the IS reminds you to be centered and present in this present moment. You only get this moment (and this life) once. What are you doing with it…right now? Are you working on projects that matter to you? What are you doing to create memories? Are you being intentional? In addition, living in the IS gives you perspective and happiness. It is the only “real world” we have. The past is a memory. The future is a fabrication. Living in the IS gives you a chance to “be here.” Right now. Take a deep breath. Live in the IS.
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