Finding Peace in the Present: I Am Well, I Am Now

I sometimes gently remind myself that "I am well, and I am now."

I took this photo last summer in Glastonbury while taking some time for myself. Spending time alone by water is one of my self care practices.

The future can sometimes feel so overwhelming, and the past, weighing heavily, can push you out of the present moment. Desperately working to find the balance and rhythm between striving for what is desired and finding peace and assurance in the present is hard. Often, things can get the best of me.

There is something beautiful experienced when I can stop long enough to remind myself that I am living in the present: "I am well, I am now."

What does that mean? It means that currently, I am breathing. In the background, I can hear other humans talking and laughing. I can see the beauty of what is around me. It means I am experiencing this present moment. I am mindful that I am alive and apart of life here on earth.

Being in the now requires you to slow down, relax, and experience life. We get so caught up with planning our days or the next big thing that we forget how to experience each moment and find joy and gratitude in living.

Sometimes, being present means choosing to let go of the chaos of life and choose yourself. It means honoring your time, not rushing, not overextending, or filling your day to the brim with things to do.

It means being mindful of the fact that you are present and you are now.

A poem that I believe the Holy Spirit inspired in my heart says:

Gentle appreciation for my being.

I love

Taking easy breaths,

standing on two legs.

posturing in the present,

relentlessly living.

Moving away from my past,

I grasp hold of the now,

the future ahead,

In peace, I vow.

Not desperate for an ideal,

not cowered in fear.

My presence is worthy;

my presence is here.

I am well.

I am now.

Today, I hope you choose to take a moment to be mindful and find peace in your existence experiencing this blessing called life.