We’re on this amazing journey called life. There’s no way to stop the journey, except for death, and even then, I believe it to be just another step in the journey. We cannot go backwards to a place we’ve already been, and we cannot speed forward to the place unknown.

The only thing we are promised on this journey is this moment. The only thing we’ve been guaranteed is this sliver in the time continuum. I’ll refrain from running my fingernails down the chalkboard with the annoying saying about today being a gift that’s why it’s called the present.

If we are given this moment, and only this moment, then, what should we do with it? How do we not squander this one small gift we possess, because I know not one of us want to be guilty for throwing away such a precious gift?

I’m sure there thousands of books telling us to get busy chasing dreams. I know there are hundreds of powerful motivators selling out hotel conference centers encouraging us to make a difference in our worlds with a great purpose. We are given this moment, don’t waste it! And I agree, we must not waste this moment, but for so many of us it’s not that easy. Knowing exactly what to do every second we are given over and over is overwhelming, and for many it leaves us paralyzed by fear, so we don’t do anything. We wait for the next gift, and then the next gift, because either the moment we’re given doesn’t meet our expectations or secretly we believe we don’t deserve this precious gift.

I don’t have some secret potion or a three step program that shows us what to do with our life, but the best thing I can suggest to make the best of every second we are given is

Be present in this moment.

Don’t long for days past. Don’t wait for days to come. Stay right here and right now. Keep your mind from wishing it all away. Breathe in this moment, open yourself and feel, for you are worthy to live, to be fully alive.

Feel the pain. Feel the agony. Embrace the fears, the loneliness. Let the waves crash against your soul, and don’t hide, don’t try to make them stop, because when you feel, that’s how you know you’re alive.

Feel the delight and the laughter. Listen to what makes your heart sing, trust what you hear, and do more of it. Feel your heart expand with every breath, and practice gratitude for every single thing, good or bad, you encounter. Never hold your breath waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Be in this moment. When you feel this moment, the moment will sprout with vibrant life, and you will never waste another moment on this journey.