I'm so guilty of spending too much time thinking of the future. I often feel like I completely miss what's in front of me (and this makes me feel bad because I've been told over and over again that these are the best years of my life).

I'm constantly thinking about things I want to accomplish--which is good--but sometimes I get carried away and I forget what I have going on in the present moment. I used to have the longest bucket list, filled with things that I needed to experience/accomplish. However, after I would check one of the boxes off, I would completely forget about it. For this reason, I think that if you're going to have a bucket list, you should have a reverse bucket list as well. Keep a list of all the things you have accomplished.

For example, a little over a year ago, the biggest thing on my bucket list was to get into a good college and finally live on my own. I accomplished both of those things. However, I'm too busy looking forward that I forget to look back and appreciate the things I have achieved. These are things that should go on my reverse bucket list.

I was recently given a book titled The Power of Now. The author of this book struggled with anxiety for most of his life--until he learned to live in the moment. He writes, " I was so stunned by this strange realization that my mind stopped. I was fully conscious, but there were no more thoughts. Then I felt drawn into what seemed like a vortex of energy." This statement captures just how powerful living in the moment can be. The author is now a spiritual teacher and he recommends this practice because he has found it to be so valuable in his own life.

I certainly still need to work on living in the moment. I've made a little progress but I still have a long way to go. I think the reverse bucket list is a good starting place for anyone who wants to begin this practice. And I would definitely recommend The Power of Now for some guidance as well. Since I have started doing this, I have really started to believe that living in the present moment is one of the keys to a happy life.