I can’t believe we are more than half-way through this year. This year has been an emotional year, but I’ve learned so much about myself and I’ve grown more sure of my hope in Jesus which is phenomenal in it of itself.

With that said, this year (in 2days), I am turning 28! I can’t believe it. I’m extremely grateful to have lived 28 years. I know too many people who died too young. But this is the first time in my life where I’m unsure of what my future is going to look like.

I enjoy planning, and I always plan. I had 5 year plans, 2 year plans, career goals. But I currently don’t have any of those. Which is an extremely frustrating thing for me because I’m so used to being sure of my future.

But I’m learning to live in the moment and take my life day by day until I gain more clarity or direction. During this period of learning, I’ve realized how much I don’t live—I’m constantly thinking about what’s next or what happened that I forget about what’s here.

Here are a few things I’ve learned to incorporate into my life to live in the moment each day that I’m blessed.

Practice Gratitude

I talk about Practicing Gratitude here, but I really can’t say enough about this activity. After about a week of doing daily gratitude practices, my thoughts became healthier, my feelings more appreciative and peaceful. I continue to try do this every day. I feel like I’ve been able to also reflect better, be more honest, have peace and joy—all of which I really attribute to practicing gratitude daily.

Pay Attention

So often we are in a rush to get where we’re going that we miss things or moments. I’ve learned to just pay attention to my surrounding and the people I’m with. I realized that paying attention helps me be more present and worry less (overthink less/stress less). I also attribute this practice to living with my nephews—living with kids really helps you just pay attention to the little things in life—and it’s great.

Celebrate the Small Victories

I’ve learned to take joy in my little wins. I’m working on growing my blog and I literally celebrate every small win. This has helped me to enjoy the process. Through enjoying the process, I’m able to swim in the moment for a little bit longer and not focus on just the big goal. Every new email subscriber, every blog visitor, every comment—I literally smile and internally jump up and down in celebration. It helps me stay grounded—reminds me of my why.

Drinking a hot cup of coffee or tea

I love a hot cup of coffee or tea in the morning. I get to sit at my desk, breathe in the new day, and enjoy the hot cup of coffee. The drink goes warm my soul, and I just feel at peace. This very simple act of being able to enjoy a hot cup of coffee helps to slow me down and embrace every second I’m given.

And those, my friend, are some things I’ve incorporated into my life to help me live in the moment.

Living in the moment doesn’t mean you’re not planning for the future or you’re not thinking about what you’ll for dinner. But it is being grateful for what you have right where you are.

If you’re a planner or futuristic person like myself, there’s NOTHING wrong with that. That’s a strength. But don’t forget to enjoy the activity or the moment, not just the crossing-it-off the to-do list part.

I hope this post blesses you. What are some things you do that has helped you live more in the moment? Share them below!

OUTFIT DETAILS:
White T-shirt: Reformation (see here) | Another t-shirt option here
Black Jeans: H&M (old) | similar here & similar here
Black Loafer Mules: F21 (old) | similar here
Green Tote Bag: Gifted to me | another cute option here

~ Sincerely, Mainou

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How to Live in the Moment | Summer Casual Outfit