living in the present


Living in the Present: Welcoming the Wisdom of Each Moment

The left half of this image is taken up with a photo of Sarah Orne Jewett. It dates from around 1894 so the image is in blacks and greys. It shows a white woman in her mid 40s with her brown hair pinned up. She is wearing a dark coloured simple sleeved blouse with largish round buttons and a largish dark ribbon tied at her neck over the collar position of the top. Although her body is facing forward she is looking to the left of the image.The text to the right reads: "'Tain't worthwhile to wear a day all out before it comes." (Sarah Orne Jewett)

Happy Monday! Today’s quote is:

“‘Tain’t worthwhile to wear a day all out before it comes.” (Sarah Orne Jewett)

This beautiful quote reminds us to welcome the importance of living in the present moment, rather than allowing worries about the future to consume us.

In the fast-paced world, where schedules can be packed and our expectations are high, it’s easy to fall into the trap of constantly worrying about what tomorrow might bring. We can get caught in loops of stacking one thought and the meaning we’ve given that thought on top of each other. Yet, as we explore the essence of this quote, we can uncover profound insights into the transformative power of embracing the present moment.

Living in the present

Which leads to the question of what is living in the present moment like? Before I take a moment to share a few words, what is your answer to that wondering?

For me, when I ponder that it’s just being present. Often my thoughts are quieter and not as loud and demanding but sometimes they can still be going past but without my activley metaphorically grabbing at some and not letting it go. I’m often fully focused upon the one thing in front of me. I’m not living in memories from the past or using those memories to project out into the future to imagine a story of what could be coming up.

Which suggests that it is the quality of our thinking in the moment that makes a huge impact. When we become caught up in worry and anticipation, we are living in a virtual reality of our own making, disconnected from the richness and depth of the present moment.I don’t mean that this is another job to add to our mental to-do list and change all our thinking – it can be far more relaxed than that. It’s about begining to notice when you are getting caught up and as best you can in that moment relaxing back into present. My suggestion would be to skip any beating yourself up for forgetting and just go back to noticing.

This constant mental chatter creates unnecessary stress and robs us of the joy and fulfillment that can be found in the present. But the truth is, all we have is today. So why spend it consumed by worries about tomorrow?

As coaches, I see our role as guiding our clients on a journey of self-discovery and transformation, helping them unlock the wisdom and potential that resides within them. We can empower them to release the grip of worry and anxiety and return to the simplicity and clarity of the present moment.

Thoughts are naturally transient and ever-changing, just like clouds passing in the sky. By cultivating a deeper understanding of their own innate resilience, clients can learn to trust in the unfolding of life and embrace each moment with an open heart and mind.

Ultimately, the quote by Sarah Orne Jewett serves as a powerful reminder that life is meant to be lived fully in the present. So let’s make a commitment to embrace each day as it comes, trusting and welcoming the wisdom of the present moment and allowing ourselves to fully experience the beauty and joy that surrounds us.

Have a wonderful Monday, everyone!

About Jen Waller

Jen Waller

Jen Waller is on a mission to support, nurture and encourage coaching skills and talents from non-coach to coach and beyond.

As an experienced coach and trainer Jen is happy to utilise all skills at her disposal to assist clients from getting out of their own way and making a difference in the world with their coaching. Find out more about the support Jen offers here.