Don't Dwell or Overthink Your Life
Start writing a post
Life Stages

Don't Dwell In The Past Or Overthink The Future, Live In The Moment

"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream in the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment" — Buddha

93
Don't Dwell In The Past Or Overthink The Future, Live In The Moment

As a little child I have always thought about the future and what I was going to be, who I would become, and of course, the most important question who I was going to marry. Then when we are adults we think about "the good old days" and how things used to be when we were growing up. However, we can't can't get excited in the present because it is currently happening, and we can't reflect in the present because it is also currently happening. The only way to be in the present is if you live in the moment

Now I used to be that type of person that would always wish the weekend would come faster or for this trip to be now instead of two months from now because I was excited and I knew that my state of happiness would be much greater in those moments. Then the moment would come and I would be sad or disappointed if something didn't go exactly how I was planning or when it ended and think about it later on wishing I was back on the beach or not sitting in class. You see, I never realized that its truly the little things in life that really make us enjoy the present moment

Especially in college, students are constantly worried and unsure about the future: worried about internships, getting enough volunteering hours, and getting the perfect grades, that sometimes we forget to be in the moment and do your best at that exact moment. Of course, this doesn't mean we don't need to plan, set goals or prepare for the future. We can do all of these things and still enjoy each moment as it unfolds.

To make every moment count we must embrace it. Everything we do and every person we come in contact with deserves our full attention. Even when resting we should savor the moment. It gives us the opportunity to recharge, renew and gain clarity. Quite often we put huge expectations on ourselves and our lives. We rush to do this, hurry up with that, without actually enjoying the process. What's the rush? Where do we think we're going?

In conclusion, some benefits of living in the moment are that you become more connected with your thoughts and feelings, feel more gratitude and enjoyment of life, and get more connected to others. Once you start living in the moment you won't miss any opportunities and enjoy life so much more

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

85676
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

51577
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments