Not too long ago, I came across a quote spoken by Eckhart Tolle, “Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have. Make the Now the primary focus of your life.” This is a quote I’d like to think I live by in one way or another.

I feel living your life in the moment is the best thing to do. Many of us are too focused on the past, or what our future holds for us, that we don’t take in what’s happening in our life currently. We forget to focus on the present moment—the only moment that ever was, is, and will be. Not living in the moment prevents us from not being able to savor every moment that life throws our way and enjoy life to the fullest.

I understand the attachment one can have on the past. Because I, for one, am guilty of this. Establishing an attachment to your past, in particular past choices, or mistakes, highly affects living in the here and now. If you’re so focused on something that’s already happened, how could you possible enjoy the present? The answer is, you can’t. Accept what has happened in the past, and use it as a learning lesson for the now. Let it help you grow into a better version of ourselves.

Life gives you plenty of time to do whatever you want to do if you stay in the present moment.

Calm down. People these days are always in such hurry. Take a step back, breathe, and take in what’s around you. Don’t stress out about situations you can no longer control. As nice as it is to look back on memories, life goes on and you cannot be stuck in the past. Eliminate the stress, so you can live more happily and care-free. Live life for the moment because everything else is uncertain.

Maybe the best thing to do is stop trying to figure out where you’re going, and just enjoy where you’re at.

A big problem I think that interferes with living in the moment are cell phones, another thing I am shamefully guilty of. Look around you. Reflect on yourself. People are always on their cell phones. You could have a beautiful sunset in front of you, and the majority of people are more focused on what’s happening on Facebook. It’s a shame, but this is what our society has come to. So put the phone down. Don’t worry about posting a picture on Instagram. Swallow up what is in front of you. What’s happening around you? Don’t let a cell phone take that away from you. Disconnect yourself from the world for five minutes. Live in the moment. I don’t think that can be stressed enough. I want to reflect on memories and remember them for what they are, not what I thought they are. For how I remembered I lived them. Happy thoughts.

You’re worried about how you’re going to feel at the end of your life? What about right now? LIVE. Right this minute. That’s where the joy is at. So appreciate the little things in your life. Be grateful for the love, friendships, and life that has been given to you right this second.