#stayingpresent

Dear Members,

We are currently on Day 7 of Hurricane Harvey.  For those affected, we are so heartbroken for the pain and loss you have been through.  For those who are just vaguely aware of what is going on, no judgment, sometimes living under a rock is a needed coping mechanism.  What has been so amazing to see is the thousands of rescuers that have descended on the Gulf Coast and the city of Houston.  Yes, some people are paid to do just that, but it doesn’t downplay their bravery and courage.  The volunteers are heroes as well, without any reason whatsoever, they have stepped into a very dangerous situation with no other goal than to help others.   It has always amazed me, and at the same time intimated me, to see someone who is completely selfless and seems to live their life close to perfect and “God” like. Recently I have come to realize that we all have our strengths and weaknesses.While some people are natural heroes and without hesitation plunge into disaster zones; I am more the behind the scenes, donate money, donate goods, makes meals, deliver chocolate and caffeine to teachers sort of person.  I am learning to be okay with that and embrace the fact that I am doing my part to aid in the distribution of smiles and caffeine!

“What day is it?" It's today," squeaked Piglet. My favorite day," said Pooh.” - A.A. Milne I think we all want so much to learn to live in the present. To live a life with no regrets and at the end of our life, if we are granted the foresight to know the end is near, to be able to look back with satisfaction on how things turned out. Great goal, but a little harder to figure out exactly; how do we live a life without regret?  How do we live in the moment?  Especially when we are constantly being pushed by ourselves, our counselors, our therapists, parents, partners, spouses, bosses...to be better, to reach further, to hit our fullest potential?   To live our best and to live in the present doesn’t mean to accept what our present is, if it isn’t the best or healthiest direction.  It means to accept that you are in this place in time, it is either where you need to be and to keep growing in this very place, or it serves as a rest stop along the way towards where you SHOULD be.   For example:

You have just gotten diagnosed with a Mental or Physical illness, the news is devastating, no one likes that look when the doctor or nurse comes in with their forehead crinkled in concern.  The diagnosis is a pause button, will you crumble up and crawl under a rock like we talked about in the beginning of this week’s Life Hack or will this be the starting point for living in the now?  Will this be the first step towards figuring out what your life will be like from this moment on and making each of those moments count? “Happiness, not in another place but this place...not for another hour, but this hour.” -Walt Whitman For those of us going through some really hard times be it flooding, medical issues, financial issues, relationship concerns, divorce, trying to figure out how to come out, etc. the important thing to realize is; in the attempt to remain present stop and think of one thing at this moment you can be grateful for.It may take more than a minute, but if possible, close your eyes, relax and just send a personal message to yourself. Some personal mantras could be:

“I am going to be okay” “Things are not looking bright, but the sun always comes out eventually.” “I am feeling like things are out of my control, but right now, that is okay.” “It is okay to not be okay right now” If all else fails, SCREAM at the top of your lungs, preferably in a closet or the car, and just get all the frustration and anger out for the moment.  Life is full of ups and downs, we can’t always anticipate what is awaiting us around each corner of life, but when we decide to live in the moment, we don’t worry as much, our anxiety doesn’t gnaw on us every moment of everyday, our OCD may improve, and our depression may lessen.  It is all about taking a moment to access what is going on with us at this very moment, deciding if we are on the right path and making adjustments as needed.   “Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life.” -Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment Wishing all our members the strength and courage to face this life with the very best they have to offer.  

All the best- Team SG

https://self-esteem.supportgroups.com/

https://anxiety.supportgroups.com/

https://depression.supportgroups.com/

https://relationship.supportgroups.com/

https://stress.supportgroups.com/

Hurricane Harvey Disaster Relief

https://www.redcross.org/donate/hurricane-harvey

https://texasdiaperbank.networkforgood.com/projects/33717-change-a-life

https://safoodbank.org/

http://www.houstonfoodbank.org/