Be Here Now

I have a necklace that has engraved on it "Be here now." and I wear it often to remind myself to live presently in the moment.  I bought the necklace for myself a few years ago in the midst of the darkest time of my life when I was grieving my inability to have children.  I couldn't understand why this was happening to me, I felt guilty that I was dragging my husband on this roller coaster that he didn't sign up for, and I was frankly bordering on being really angry with God.  I caught myself being resentful and bitter - two traits that are not becoming on anyone.  And I was finding myself missing out on joy that was going on in my life without me.  I bought the necklace to remind myself that even though my present situation was not what I had planned for, my life was a gift and everyday was one that I wasn't getting back.  I didn't want to miss out on my niece & nephew growing up, or Kevin & I building traditions in our home, or my parents and the precious time we have with them, or my amazing friends and the nights we laugh until we cry…I didn't want to miss any of that in my quest to become a mom.  So I pledged to BE HERE NOW.

Well, as we have been preparing for Kamdyn - I've found myself relying on my old trusty necklace yet again.  Because not only in times of darkness is there a desire to hurry up, get on with life, and get to the destination - but in times of happiness (perhaps even more) there is a desire to "get there" - wherever 'there' even is?

And so today, I find myself reading and re-reading this quote from Maya Angelou and reminding myself that I will be present in the present gratefully.

Be present today, friends - Enjoy the season.