Be Here Now

When I was in 7th grade, I had the amazing opportunity to attend a "girl empowerment" seminar with my junior high science teacher. I don't remember hardly anything about the day (it's been a while since 7th grade) but I remember two things.

1. My teacher picked me because she felt I was strong enough to make a difference in the world and she felt that this would help me. (What an amazing thing to hear! I still love that teacher for sharing this with me.)

2. Be here now. Don't wish away what you are doing, or worry about what needs to happen tomorrow. Focus on what you are doing, when you are doing it.

I'm not sure about number one. I don't know that I'm a good judge of what does or does not make a difference in the world. The verdict is out.

But number haunts me. In today's society, with the economy in the tank, it is SO EASY to wish way things:

• I can't wait until Friday.
• Isn't it the end of the day yet?
• I can't wait for Spring/Summer/A Snow Day/Etc.

It's all too easy to fall into this sort of habit. And lately, I've done my fair share of it.

At the seminar, they recommended writing "Be Here Now" on a note card and place it near where you are working. Whenever you get off task, look at the note card.

Be Here Now.

And remind yourself what you are doing, why you are doing it, and stop thinking and worrying about things that are best done later or will arrive when they arrive.

This weekend, I'm going to buy some markers and note cards, and make up "Be Here Now" cards. A couple for me. A few for friends.

But now? I'm off to the next task for today. Not the one for this weekend.