Faith on the Journey

Starting Where You Are: A Guide to Embracing the Present and Planning for the Future

Written by Tammy Ebright | Mar 3, 2023 2:45:00 PM

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the past or future, often forgetting to live in the present. We're so preoccupied with what's already happened or what's yet to come that we miss out on the beauty and opportunities of the moment. This is where the concept of "starting where you are" comes into play.

Starting where you are means embracing the present moment, no matter what your current circumstances may be. It's about loving and accepting yourself for who you are right now, flaws and all, and using that as a foundation to move forward and grow.

One of the first steps in starting where you are is to appreciate your struggles. It's easy to beat yourself up for not achieving everything you want, but this kind of negative self-talk only holds you back. Instead, try to see the lessons in every challenge you face. Each struggle makes you stronger and helps you grow into the person you're meant to be.

Another important aspect of starting where you are is to be true to yourself. It's easy to get caught up in what society, your family, or your friends expect of you, but ultimately, you need to be your authentic self. Take some time to reflect on who you are, what you want out of life, and what kind of person you want to be. Peel back the layers of external influences and discover your true self.

Once you have a clear sense of who you are, it's time to plan for the future. Set goals for yourself and work to accomplish them. However, it's important to remain present and engaged in the moment while you work towards your future. Are you being your authentic self every day? Are you showing up as the kind of person you want to be?

Starting where you are is all about finding the balance between embracing the present and planning for the future. It's about loving yourself, appreciating your struggles, and staying true to your authentic self while setting and achieving your goals.

So, take a moment to reflect on where you are right now. Write down your thoughts and feelings. Who do you want to be? What are your goals for the future? Then, ask yourself if you're being true to your authentic self and taking the steps to achieve your goals. Remember, the only way to move forward is to start where you are, right here, right now.