
The Power of Living in the Present
You’ve probably heard about the benefits of living in the present moment. I had heard about it for years before I finally decided to explore what it really meant. It’s not an easy switch to flip after years of focusing on the past or future, but with practice, I’ve started to notice the difference it makes when I slow down, become more aware of my thoughts and feelings, and live in the moment. It truly feels like opening the door to a new world full of wonder and possibilities.
Living in the present means letting go of your expectations and seeing things as they truly are, without judgment. This way of thinking was very different from how I’d lived most of my life. Like many people, I was shaped by my past experiences and the beliefs I inherited from my parents and the world around me.
My parents were immigrants who struggled through difficult times. My mother grew up in a small farming community in Canada, in a family of ten, with no electricity and a life centered on survival. My father experienced World War II in France, living in fear and dealing with scarcity. Growing up with their mindset, I believed that life was hard, and you shouldn’t expect much more than just getting by.
Carrying these beliefs into adulthood, I often saw life as a struggle, expecting the future to be no different. That’s what it means to live based on the past and future. But when I started living in the present, everything changed. I realized I could let go of those old patterns and see life as full of opportunities.
When I focus on the present, I feel lighter, like a weight has been lifted. I don’t feel the constant need to chase goals or prove myself. There’s a calm awareness that fills me, the same feeling you might have when watching a sunset or looking into the eyes of a loved one, where time seems to stand still, and nothing else matters.
This shift has made my life feel easier. I worry less about my to-do list, and things seem to fall into place more naturally. Ideas come to me with clarity, and I feel more in tune withwho I am and where I’m headed. Letting go isn’t about giving up; it’s about getting closer to what you truly want and finding a sense of peace.
Of course, I still slip back into old habits, worrying about the past or the future. But now, when I catch myself doing that, I pause. I take a few deep breaths, close my eyes, and return to the present moment. This simple reset brings me back to that place of calm and focus.
Living in the present is where you connect with the universe/spirit, where you can feel truly alive. It’s like touching a moment of eternity in the middle of your everyday life. While challenges will always come our way, living in the present helps us handle them with a sense of peace and clarity.
Jacques