Being In the Moment

Do you have a problem with being in the moment because you’re always looking down at your phone? Me too. Once I realized I had this issue, I made being in the moment one of my goals to work on in 2016. Over this last year, I’ve improved a great deal and I’m still working on this everyday.

Today, I wanted to share this video with you to bring awareness about this topic and also help you be more present with those you love. I also wanted to share ways you can be more present.

Put away your phone when you’re dining out with someone.

Within this last year, one of my golden rules for myself is that if I’m at lunch or dinner with anyone, my phone will not to be visible on the table. I read somewhere that the visibility of a phone can subconsciously make the person you’re with feel less important. Isn’t that crazy? Time with someone is something you can’t buy, so put your phone away when you’re in the presence of others.

Limit your time on your phone.

My friend, Mary, told me something several years ago that really stuck with me: be in the moment because those times are when life is most special. When I saw this video, it definitely reinforced my belief in limiting technology even more so. Since then, I set two special rules for myself: 1) Do not reply to emails after 6:00pm and 2) Limit social media on the weekends and have more “me” time.

I did this before I heard Darren Hardy speak in person in California and I couldn’t be happier to do what he does too. He was right in regards to setting rules for yourself. When you set rules for you and follow them yourself, people will respect you. Let’s say if you respond to emails at 11:00pm or 2:00am, people are going to expect that you’re available around those times or even at any given time. When you set boundaries, people will comply and you’d be surprised at how much people will respect that you need to get so stuff done for yourself and have time to enjoy with your friends and family.

Keep yourself in check.

Which is more important? Spending more time with your phone or being in the moment with someone you care about? If you catch yourself on your phone often, put your phone away. When you’re out with friends, tell them that you’re working on being more present and ask them to do it with you as well. It’s a great way to keep each other accountable and be present with one another. My good friends, Austin, Bre and I can talk for HOURS without having to look at our phones. We catch up, talk about life, moments we’ve had and tell funny stories that have happened to us. Let me tell you, it feel SO good too.

It was extremely hard to be with my mom last weekend for her 65th birthday and not take pictures. I felt the strong need to capture moments of her special day, but instead, I put my phone away and took time to pamper her. I’m not going to lie. I regretted not taking photos, but realized that I was being in the moment with her creating memories and that was more important.

I challenge you to limit your social media usage and test drive it this weekend. Put your phone down and spend time doing something for you. Read God’s word. Repaint a room. Read a book. Cook a meal together with your loved ones. Do whatever fancies your heart and be in the moment rather than capture it.

Let me know how it goes! Happy Friday!