“All that is important is this one moment in movement. Make the moment important, vital, and worth living. Do not let it slip away unnoticed and unused,” Martha Graham’s words serve as a poignant reminder of the preciousness of the present. Katie McAree’s journey is a vivid illustration of how the pursuit of the future can overshadow the beauty of the here and now, and how a conscious shift towards presence can transform our lives.
McAree was a person perpetually looking ahead, her mind consumed by thoughts of the next step in life. While having aspirations for the future is natural, her constant longing had become all – consuming, leaving her exhausted. Her restless energy, fueled by a quick boredom threshold and an insatiable craving for change, led her to overlook the goodness in her current life.
For over five years, she juggled full – time work and year – round studies. The repetitive nature of her routine, with an overwhelming focus on work and a scarcity of play, left her mind in a state of constant restlessness. She yearned for a life filled with meaning, rich experiences, and profound self – exploration. But her numerous grand ideas about what she wanted to do only added to her frustration, making her increasingly impatient with her present circumstances. She felt trapped in a rut, out of control and stuck.
Inspired by those who seemed to effortlessly live in the moment, McAree realized that the only thing she truly had power over was the present. With this newfound understanding, she decided to channel her restless energy into making changes that would bring happiness to her current life.
One of the first things she did was to silence the multi – tasking drive in her brain during her rare free moments. Instead of flitting from one thing to another, she focused on a single activity, no matter how mundane. Brushing her teeth or doing the dishes became opportunities to be fully present, and she was surprised to discover the joy that could be found in these simple acts when approached with a clear and positive mindset.
To further engage her restless spirit, McAree took up photography as a hobby. Learning the basic functions of the camera and exploring different techniques provided a refreshing change from the obligatory tasks of school and work. This new pursuit was a creative outlet that allowed her to engage in an activity purely for the love of it, not because she was told to.
She also made a conscious decision to say “yes” more often and “no” less. Stepping out of her comfort zone, she welcomed new experiences, no matter how small. These experiences not only fulfilled her craving for novelty but also helped her find comfort in the chaos and expand her boundaries.
As she incorporated these practices into her daily life, McAree began to experience remarkable changes. She felt happier, more secure, and fully alive. The weight of dissatisfaction that had been dragging her down lifted, and her heart opened up to the possibilities of the present.
For those who find themselves rushing through life, constantly focused on the future and neglecting the present, McAree offers some simple yet powerful suggestions. Immerse yourself fully in each task, letting go of the urge to multitask. Pick up a new hobby to engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. And don’t be afraid to say “yes” to new opportunities, even if they seem a bit daunting at first. These steps will not only push you out of your comfort zone but also help you uncover hidden aspects of yourself.
There will inevitably be moments when your mind wanders away from the present. But instead of self – judgment, simply acknowledge the distraction and gently guide your thoughts back to the here and now. With practice, you’ll be amazed at your ability to take control of your thoughts and stay present.
McAree’s story reminds us that while it’s natural to have goals and dreams for the future, the present moment is where our true power lies. We aren’t guaranteed tomorrow, but we do have this very moment. By embracing the now, breathing in its richness, and making the most of every second, we can unleash our best selves and live a life that is truly vibrant and fulfilling.
