Live for today. Say Bye to your past with love.

As I mentioned in my Dose of Joy enewsletter, this past Thursday I attended an inspiring event called the Top 10 Event. It was put on by my friend Stuart Knight. At this event, he had 10 (well actually 9, because one of them didn't come), speakers who each spoke for 10 minutes at a time. They were all fantastic in their own unique way and their speeches really made you think. It was an absolutely fantastic evening!

One speaker in particular, Jully Black (she's a singer by the way who is freakin' amazing!!!) was very memorable for me. She talked about not letting your past live in your present. This brought me back to the year 2007 when Feist released the song: Past in Present. My itunes says I've listened to this song hundreds of times!

These are the lyrics:

The scarlet letter isn't black

Gotta know who's got your back

Because they're right in front of you

Because they're telling you the truth

So much present inside my present

Inside my present so...so much past

Inside my present inside my past

Inside my present

So, so

Feeling it from dark to bright

When a wrong becomes a right

When a mountain fills with light

It's a volcano, it's a volcano

It's a volcano, it's a volcano

So much present, inside my present

Inside my present

So, so much past

Inside my present, inside my present

Inside my present

So, so much past

Inside my present

Inside my present...

So, so much past

2007 was a year that I was completely stuck in my past. Interesting that I listened to this song hundreds of times. I still love the song, but it doesn't carry the same meaning for me anymore.

My past was completely in my present and I was very rarely living the present moment. So in effect, anyone in my life at the time was being effected by my lack of presenteeism.

While it's good to reflect on the past and learn from your mistakes, I was unhealthy in my state of mind. And my heart was unjoyous quite often that year.

Fast forward to today and I although I think of the past from time to time with fondness, I really don't dwell or let it determine my life today. I recommend you do the same. In order for you to be your most joyous self, you need to focus on all the beauty in this exact moment.

The other amazing thing about being in the present moment is that those who you spend time with will enjoy being around you even more!

Be joyous,

Joy