Being in theatre has taught me many things. It's taught me the power of "yes, and," acceptance, and has helped me build confidence I needed. But another major key life rule I was taught, thanks to theatre, was being here in the moment. The future and the past doesn't matter. What matters is the moment that you're living right now.

The past two terms, my improv professor drilled this into all of our minds to be in the moment, especially in our scenes with our scene partner. I'm trying to bring that mindset into my own life, like I have been for "yes, and."

Having recently moved across country (again) back to Detroit, I have been more focused on what I gave up back in Oregon. A lot was the answer I came up with.

I've been more focused on what I'm missing the most in portland. How much I miss going to the Timbers games, how much I miss going to all the many different theatre shows, and how much I miss my roommates.

But that's a time of my life that has passed. I lived it up there, and I'm sure as hell will go to more Timbers game at Providence Park and elsewhere. I need to stop thinking about what I was doing.

But I also need to stop fixating on the future. Because has taught me, as I'm sure it has taught everyone, life doesn't go according to plan. Things change and anything can happen in a New York minute. I can try and be as well prepared as I can but shouldn't make any decisions based upon what may happen. Tomorrow is never promised.

Living for the moment, living for the now, can start and help make this disastrous and hateful society we're currently living in, better.

Let's start by paying attention to the little things. Take notice of what's around you and do not take anything for granted.

Let's start by smiling. A huge majority of communication is solely on facial expressions. What we might not be saying, are face is. We smile, we'll feel happier and so will the others we're communicating with.

Let's start by doing random acts of kindness. This is a need for our society, for our world. We glance at the news only to find out that there's been another terrorist attack or another mass shooting. Doing the random acts of kindness will show people that there is still good left in the world. It will show that good will always and forever trump the evil.

Finally, let's start by looking up and trying to unplug us from the tiny screens that holds our attention. This is one even I, myself need to work on. Our phones, tablets, you name it, controls our lives on a daily basis. So are we really living for the here and now moment when our focus is solely on what's going on your newsfeed? Look up and smell the flowers. Look up and have a conversation with the person sitting across from you.

Being here in the moment can take some stress away from your busy life. What happened has happened and that's in the past. What may happen is distant and there's no need to worry about the "if," or the "might." Enjoy the time you have right now. Enjoy the people you're with. Enjoy life and the beauty that always lies within it.