live in the moment

that is #4 on my list of “Things I did when I thought I had nothing left to lose.”

Since items #1-3 didn’t turn out so well, I have to ask myself “What was I thinking?”

Note to self: Don’t write important e-mails at 1:30 AM.

This past weekend I was at my usual hangout when someone waved at me. This is someone I have known “by sight” for many years and have never socialized with, but would have liked to. He invited me to sit at his table and share a pitcher of beer with him and his teammates. I looked at the table, saw another six people, none of whom looked familiar.

My immediate (automatic) response was, “No, thank you. I have to get going, and I’m not feeling like drinking right now.”

On the way home I started kicking myself. The truth of the matter was I had nothing better to do than to meet some new people. And I didn’t have to drink beer if I didn’t want to.

So what was my problem?

There is a fine line between not future tripping and closing your eyes to avoid seeing the impending train wreck.

I can appreciate that I often worry unnecessarily about things that may or may not happen, and also about things I have no control of. But in trying to avoid the above, am I ignoring things I choose not to acknowledge?

THAT’s the question of the day.

a professional issue that’s got me uneasy. Actually, it’s not the issue, but the person who’s behind it. Because the issue itself can turn out to be positive, but the person behind it has been difficult in the past, I’m very anxious. I’ve been trying to focus on the issue, which will be debated in my (unavoidable) absence, and not the person. (Here, I take a deep breath. It will all be decided soon anyway.)

has helped me focus on the here and now (when applicable).

Actually got through one evening last week staying focused in the present, and avoiding “future tripping.” This enabled me to turn a potentially weird situation into a pleasant one.

this is easier in theory than in practice.

...but I have been more cognizant of my “future tripping” and reminding myself to “be in the moment.”