Life is in the present.

Although we know life’s journey is one step at a time, we all have a tendency to hop, skip and jump through the journey, don’t we? We go to the past, jump to the future and rarely think about the present. I was with a friend today whose husband died about six months ago after being sick for three years. During that time, she had met a nice man whose wife was also dying. They became very good friends through their heartfelt discussions and have remained friends since their spouses have passed. It hasn’t been easy. Everyone seems upset by their friendship, commenting, “What would your spouses think?”

My friend made a conscious choice to live in the present, not in the past. The journey through life happens by putting one foot in front of the other and enjoying the scenery. She’s doing her best on her new journey.

Several months ago I was interviewing a possible coaching customer. The first question I asked was, “What is important to your life?” He looked at me astonished and said that no one had ever asked him that question. All the questions they asked were about his business. I explained without clear values, it was easy to make a mistake. He said making time for his seven-year-old daughter was very important. I pointed out that originally he said he would do anything to be successful. Now, it appears, we have a values conflict.

I think Garth Brooks said it well in his song “The River.” Should you care to sing along, here are the words.

You know a dream is like a river, ever changin’ as it flows.
And a dreamer’s just a vessel that must follow where it goes.
Trying to learn from what’s behind you and never knowing what’s in store, makes each day a constant battle just to stay between the shores.
I will sail my vessel ‘til the river runs dry.
Like a bird upon the wind these waters are my sky.
I’ll never reach my destination if I never try.
So I will sail my vessel ’til the river runs dry.
Too many times we stand aside and let the waters slip away.
Till what we put off ’til tomorrow has now become today.
So don’t you sit upon the shoreline and say you’re satisfied.

Thanks to my wonderful friend for sharing her thoughts as we journey through our lives—together.