How much of the day do you spend thinking about yesterday or tomorrow? How many times have you gone out with someone that checks their phone every five minutes? How many times have you been that person? Why do we occupy so much of our time and energy with things that are not happening now? Yes, it is important to plan and think about the future. Also, it is important that we learn from the past. However, what is really important is the here and the now. We need to be present.

In the modern world in which we live, there has been a detachment created from the present. We are glued to screens and preoccupied with thoughts of yesterday and tomorrow. These things are fine in small doses, but there a comes a time when it becomes detrimental. Be. Here. Now. Worrying about the day before and the day to come will not fix anything; it will only take away from the moment that is today.

We must learn to be content. Learn. We cannot expect this to just happen. We have spent years teaching ourselves to be discontent. We have become acclimated to worry. How many times have you been worried because you can't think of what you are supposed to be worried about? Chill. Take it one day at a time. Remind yourself that today is today. Yesterday already was. And, tomorrow is an adventure to be saved for tomorrow. We have learned to live life like it is a series of boxes to be checked. Stop checking boxes. Put down your phone. Invest time in what is real. Start living life.

Being present allows you to appreciate the world more. Our televisions and news feeds would lead us to believe that there is not much good to be found in the world. However when you are present, you learn to see the beauties and wonders that fill every single day. It may be cliche. It may be cheesy. But, I would prefer cliches and cheesiness over cynicism any day.

In between the stages and goals that we have, there is this little thing called life. Be there. Be all there. Don't miss out on the experience that is today. Welcome each day, and be present in it. Now. Seriously. Put down your phone. No, wait. Share this article, and then put down your phone.