The Idea Dude

CONNECTING THE DOTS ONE AT A TIME

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Living the moment

We are taught as children that it is important to have goals. As teenagers we are encouraged to think about our where our university education will take us. In our workplaces, we are told that we have to set targets for our revenue, projects and business. Without a destination, how would we have a journey, and without a plan, how would we have a journey.

But sometimes, in our rush to complete the race, to reach our goals and destinations, we forget to live the moment. I often think about how hard my grandparents worked so their children would have a better future and in turn how hard my parents worked so I would have a better one too. Is that the circle of life? or is it wheel of death? or at best a daily churn.

I always get pangs of guilt when Harry Chapin's song Cats in the Cradle plays on the radio.

When you comin' home dad?
I don't know when, but we'll get together then son
You know we'll have a good time then


We will never be remembered for how hard we worked but rather by how much joy we brought to those around us. To do that means we have to spend time with the ones we love. We see the hills ahead but ignore the flowers at our feet.

Sometimes it is not about seizing the day but living the moment.

When was the last time all you thought about was the coffee clasped between your hands or stood for a few more seconds to savor the sunshine on your face?

Did you live your moment today?

2 Comments:

Blogger Brenda said...

It's an ongoing struggle, isn't it, to be fully alive in the moments we're given. I've been fairly successful this morning. I took the time to work on my landscaping and that almost always centers me. When I'm transplanting flowers, for instance, I can't help but stop to enjoy the subtle fragrances, the vivid colors and unique shapes ... and to contemplate how intricate and miraculous each plant is! Of course, in almost any other moment, I'm juggling my To Do list!

3:00 PM  
Blogger The Idea Dude said...

Hi Brenda,

I really like how you tie the moment to the fact it "centers" you. Being centered helps us keep our balance in our hectic lives.

I have the same uneviable long to do list too.

Vern

11:49 PM  

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