Mar 17

Today is a gift.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, everyone! I unfortunately didn’t pack anything green with me for my away rotation, so it’s a good thing my school colors happen to be green–my white coat’s school emblem will hopefully keep me from being pinched today!

This week’s [optional] theme for the Fit Dish link up (hosted by Jill Conyers @ JillConyers.com, &Ā JessicaĀ Joy @ TheFitSwitch.org) is on being present. Do you live in the moment?

It immediately reminded me of this quote:

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift…that is why we call it the present.”

Confession: I really needed this topic.

Back in my more angsty pre-teen years (hahaha), I focused a lot more on the “what if’s” and “if only’s.” (I kid, at least about the angst. I wasn’t really emo, but I did have a problem with living in the past.)

These days, my biggest problem is worrying about the future.

Will I get the audition rotations I applied for? When will my school send in my applications with all the necessary paperwork on their end? Are all the spots filled up already? What am I going to do if I do get the date I requested, but all the dates I’m given overlap with each other? Where will I be after July? What if I don’t get to do rotations at the places I’m interested in? What if I don’t get in anywhere? Am I going to have a future?!

todayisagift

As hard as it may be to believe, I’ve actually gotten better about worrying less about things that aren’t within my control. I will admit, however, that my type A tendencies continue to prevail because I love to have some kind of a game plan for my life.

I’m very much a to-do list type of person, and although I understand that things rarely go as planned (sigh) and have definitely learned to roll with the punches (especially in recent years, out of necessity), I do still function best when I know what’s going on, what’s expected of me, and when I have some sort of a routine in my life. (If not for my scheduling prowess, my undergrad years could not have happened the way they did.)

Yesterday was Part 1 of Match Day for my friends who applied for MD residency programs. I so very much long to be in their shoes and to get that blissful email telling me that yes, Farrah, you have a future too, and you’ll get to find out who your secret admirer is on Friday! (This will be irrelevant if I match into a DO residency, since I’m applying for both, but that’s a topic for another day.)

But in doing so, I’d be wishing away these next 12 months of my life, and I need these months to continue learning each day. I need these months to add to my experiences so that I’ll be better prepared for my future residency and my future practice.

What I really need to do is to enjoy the course.*

So often, I find myself working towards the next big event in my life, the next thing that I need to work on, the next deadline, that I forget to live in the present. I start to take for granted the little things in each day that make life wonderful.

Life is a never-ending learning process, and times can be tough, but do what you can to find joy in the little things, cherish the people in your life, and take nothing for granted! <3

*Exceptions apply to studying for boards. I’m not sure anyone ever actually enjoys that monstrosity. >_>

Every day is a gift. Do you live in the moment? #bepresent #livelife #enjoy

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Dish The Fit

Click the image to read my other Dish The Fit posts! :]

  • Are you stuck in the past, or constantly worrying about the future?
  • Do you live in the moment? What helps you to be present?

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74 comments

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  1. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the uncertainties of the future–I know I’ve been doing that lately–but I’m learning to be content with not knowing what job is going to put food on our table next year, or 5 years from now (that is the way I naturally tend to think). Planning is okay, but when things are outside our control, it’s best not to worry obsessively over them.
    Rachel G recently posted…Your Perfect DayMy Profile

    1. Agreed! I think I find it a lot easier to fall into that trap of worrying over things that I think I can do something about, but in the end, a lot of it is completely outside of my control. Definitely something I gotta work on!

  2. I am a future person, it is all about plan, plan, plan. A couple of years ago I had so much going on that I “missed” the present, days went by so fast. Now that I had to slow down as I am re-directing my life, I still focus on the future just because I am still figuring out where I am going. Now my days are longer and I am trying to make them seem even longer by doing things that make me happy. I guess a happy present takes out worry from an uncertain future. :)
    Elsie @ Sharing Healthiness recently posted…Cycles Are Not Complete, The Starting Point is DifferentMy Profile

    1. Agreed! I think I’m starting to miss out on the present because I’m so concerned about my future (or perceived lack thereof, hahaha ._.). I’m trying to find a balance between the two, so that I’m not sitting back and twiddling my thumbs, but also still enjoying life as it happens. :O

  3. i have this problem of worrying too much about things in the future…but when things get too overwhelmed, i try to take a step back and see if its really in my control or not. i often take things for granted when truly like you said, its so important to enjoy the present. thanks for the reminder.
    Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health recently posted…Everyday Essential Kitchen ToolsMy Profile

    1. Taking a step back and looking at the situation + whether or not it’s really in my control has been super helpful to me too! It’s definitely something I need to keep working on!

  4. I am a worrier, but I think running has helped me appreciate the moment — I will stop to soak up a lovely sunrise!
    Coco (@Got2Run4Me) recently posted…The HatƂĀ My Profile

    1. That’s awesome! I need to pick up an outdoor sport of some kind so I have more of an excuse to be out there! (Hoping that this will eventually be somewhere warm, because I suck at cold climates. :x )

  5. This was a bit theme for me last year, and somethign that I really worked hard to conquer. I’m not always on it, but I am much better about it. It is so hard where you are in your life right now, but the way that I would encourage you to remember to stay is the present is that you will have the rest of your life to be a doctor–this is your last few weeks/months not being one.
    Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Slim Lizzy’s Cocktails Review and Hibiscus Margarita Recipe!My Profile

    1. That’s actually a really awesome way of looking at it! :O I was talking about it with my friend (4th year) and a 3rd-year resident and the resident said he has a tendency to do that too, and feels like life is a series of waiting til the next big moment (e.g. for him, being done with step 3 and getting to be a full-fledged doctor).

  6. I can relate to this post so much- I’m working harder on being present! It’s so easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of worries, but sometimes the best thing we can do is take a step back and just enjoy the ride. Here’s to being present! Happy Tuesday!
    genevieve @ gratitude & greens recently posted…The Grass Is Green Where You Water It + Raw Vegan Chocolate MousseMy Profile

    1. Agreed! Happy Tuesday to you too! :]

  7. Every day is a gift! I get caught up in all the details sometimes too and miss the whole point. Just keep trying to do the best you can– that is what I do.
    Julie @ Running in a Skirt recently posted…Greenest Green Salad with Homemade Green Goddess DressingMy Profile

    1. Same! I figure if I can at least try to do that most days than not, I’m making some progress, however slow! :P

  8. I definitely tend to be a “worrier” and think about the future a lot. I REALLY need to start being more present and thankful for what I have today. Thanks for this topic. It was EXACTLY what I needed after a rough day yesterday!
    Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl recently posted…Eat Pretty ThingsMy Profile

    1. Same here! It’s a bad habit that I hope to fix! I’m sorry that you had a rough day yesterday–hope the rest of this week treats you well! <3

  9. I definitely do not live in the present and it’s so bad!! I’m constantly looking at the future or wondering why I didn’t get my act together fast enough in the past, especially when it comes to preparing for med school. It’s so hard to remember that every day is a gift but it’s so great when I take a step back and re-focus into the present.
    Dezzie recently posted…Where to stay in Nice: Victoria House HostelMy Profile

    1. I feel ya! I’ve been like this ever since I decided to go into medicine–there’s just “always something more than I could be doing.” I’m definitely with you on how valuable it is to be able to take a step back and re-focus though!

  10. I am definitely a worry about the future, Type-A, obsessive planning type of person. I don’t just organize a well outlined plan, I like to have contingency plans.. I’m working on learning to roll with the punches better, but it’s an uphill battle!

    Just keep learning Farrah! This time next year you’ll look back and be so happy and proud of all the thing you’ve accomplished, learned and experienced. It’s hard to appreciate in the moment, but you’re right, today is a gift (we’ll both get there!)

    xoxx
    Laura recently posted…Luck of the Irish and Other Matters!My Profile

    1. I am so with you with the contingency plans! I have contingency plans for the contingency plans! D: It’s definitely gotten better in the past couple years, but I still have a longgg way to go! At least we realize that and are working on it, right?! :]! That’s gotta count for something! ;P

  11. I try so hard to live in the moment but can’t wait for what the future holds!! I This is a great reminder of loving today for the gift it is!! Best of luck on your applications!!
    Sam @ PancakeWarriors recently posted…Zucchini Pizza CrustMy Profile

    1. Thank you! <3 I know I still have a long way to go on those, but I can't wait to be done with em' forever! *-*

  12. I really do try to live in the moment. I know tomorrow is not promised and yesterday is gone so the only thing really guaranteed is right now :)
    Ivanna recently posted…St. Patty’s Day Green Beer, I mean “Juice” RecipeMy Profile

    1. Agreed! I really gotta work on doing that more often!

  13. I love this! As a fellow type A girl, I understand how easy it is to get caught up in the next goal on the horizon & not enjoy what life is presenting to us right now. I’ve always loved that quote & hilariously first heard it on Kung Fu Panda :).

    Good luck! I know you’ll make a wonderful doctor :).
    Elizabeth @ Fit Life with E recently posted…7 Tips for Being More Present.My Profile

    1. Yay! Type A’s unite! :P Kung Fu Panda is awesome! :D I actually only saw that somewhere in the last couple years. (I’m behind the times, haha.)

      Thanks so much! I really hope I will be! :]

  14. I am a worrier and planner by nature so sometimes it is hard for me to live in the moment too. I am getting better though as I don’t want the here and now to pass me by without appreciating it!
    Betsy recently posted…Gayleā€™s Chocolates Recap PLUS Giveaway!My Profile

    1. That’s what I want to prevent from happening too! I think continual progress/improvement will be good though! :]

  15. Living in the moment is hard, sometimes! I’m a worry wort, and am learning how to just “take a chill pill” :P (does anyone say that anymore?). Deep breathing, little prayers throughout the day, and yoga have helped me stay relatively less stressed out than I used to be!
    Jess @hellotofit recently posted…Link Love #9 and a post-Zumba highMy Profile

    1. I’m learning how to do that too, haha. I’m with you on the deep breathing and little prayers (+ pep talks!)! Those have helped me immensely!

  16. Great post! I have been much better about not worrying so much but some days are better than others. I remind myself to stay in the present during morning meditation and that helps tremendously!
    Alanna recently posted…Petition to the Academy of Nutrition and DieteticsMy Profile

    1. Thank you! I definitely have some days where it’s easier than others too!

  17. I totally understand where you’re coming from! I tend to do the same, especially when something I really really want is coming up. I constantly worry about the ifs ands and buts. BUT I’ve recently been trying to “let go and let god (or whomever you believe in)” so to speak and just realize that everything will play out the way it’s meant to be. If it doesn’t happen, it’s not meant to be right now. That doesn’t mean I always do well at that, but I try. :-p
    Montana Ross recently posted…How to Recover from a Bad RunMy Profile

    1. Definitely! I have a tendency to wish the things I don’t want to deal with away, but if I really could do that, I suppose I’d never learn. That’s the philosophy I’ve attempted to adopt either, but I’m having trouble with the part where my mind goes, “But you can’t just sit back and let it happen without even trying!” (even if I’m already trying, har har). Tis a constant struggle! :p

  18. worrying about the future is a tough one for all of us- but if we keep worrying about it we may miss all the beautiful things that today has to offer. It is a work in progress, enjoy :)
    Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…Enjoy the journeyā€¦ā€¦ā€¦.My Profile

    1. Definitely! I’ll keep working at it! :]

  19. Yea, today is a day I need to focus on the present and future, not the past. But if we could all be present in our each and every day and take everything as it comes (though so hard) we can find more happiness!
    Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Those Days You Can’t ForgetMy Profile

    1. I’m sorry that today is an unpleasant one for you. <3 I definitely agree on being able to find more happiness by being present in each and every day!

  20. You know I love this post! This is a constant theme in my life and on my blog. (Hence that tag “Love. Presence. Yoga.”) It’s amazing how much better life gets when you connect to the now!!!
    Lora recently posted…5 Simple Steps To A Greener You! (+ Giveaway!)My Profile

    1. For sure! It’s something I definitely need to work on doing more often! :]!

  21. Love it! Great quote, but I love what you wrote at the end. “Life is a never-ending learning process, and times can be tough, but do what you can to find joy in the little things, cherish the people in your life, and take nothing for granted! ” That is soooo good! and I need to remember that and think on it daily!
    Brittany Suell recently posted…2015 Vision BoardMy Profile

    1. Aww, thank you! I randomly came up with that one after seeing a patient yesterday! :]!

  22. I try my best to live in the present… in doing so, it’s amazing all the small details in life that you notice! Somedays y anxieties get the best of me, but all I really do is take one day at a time. Thanks for this post :)

    1. So true! :] There’s so much to be thankful for and taking things one day at a time (especially on the rougher days) definitely helps me to learn to appreciate more!

  23. Best of luck to you, Farrah! I struggle being in the moment. Sometimes I focus so much on long term goals that I miss the little things that can make the journey so special. I’m really trying to work on that. Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you too!
    Denise @ Healthy Disney Family recently posted…GIVEAWAY $20 Amazon.com gift cardMy Profile

    1. Thanks, Denise! :] I feel like I’m forever so caught up in my long-term goals that I forget to live in the present, so it’s definitely something I’m working on too! We’ll get there! :]!

  24. I can totally relate to looking towards the future. I love your Type A personality, I think it rocks, but I definitely respect what you are trying to do with being more present. I have a quote on my wall…well, not a quote, just a thought I wrote on a card, but it says, “Work hard at the right times,” Basically, when it’s time to work, go all out, be present with it and get it done as efficiently as possible, but when it’s not time to work, let it go and enjoy that moment. : ) Keep up the greatness!
    Jessica Joy @The Fit Switch recently posted…How To Be More Present. Top 5 Tips.My Profile

    1. Aww, thank you! :D! I really like that quote, and I think I’m gonna have to put that on my wall as a reminder to myself! :] It’s definitely a good one! <3

  25. I am definitely a planer too! I know that life never goes as planed BUT I like to have a few plans just encase ;) it drives my much more spontaneous hubby crazy! But I agree it is so important to live in the moment and appreciate the now, and I love the quote!
    Amber@Eat2SaveYourLife recently posted…A Guide To Being Present In This MomentMy Profile

    1. haha, me too! I know from lots and lots of experience that life rarely goes as planned, but it just makes me feel better to have them there just in case! :P I do enjoy spontaneity every now and then though!

  26. I’m with you 100%! When I was younger my mom used to always call me Chicken Little because I worried about EVERYTHING. I’m a bit of a mix now – I’m good at living in the moment to a point…I know I need to work hard now to get where I want to be, but I also know that life is about the journey and not all about the end destination! But at the same time I still worry about a lot of things beyond my control.
    Ariana recently posted…Why Women Need to Lift Heavy WeightsMy Profile

    1. haha, I think if this sort of thing is inheritable, I got it from my mom! She’s the same way, but we’re both working on trying to enjoy the journey!

  27. I first started “enjoying the course” literally with running and it became an analogy on life. I was always so focused on the finish line and thinking about the next race I was missing the joy of the journey.

    Enjoy the course Farrah and don’t miss out on all the things that make it a wonderful experience. #fitfamlove
    jill conyers recently posted…Learning To Live In the PresentMy Profile

    1. It works really well as an analogy on life! I’m working on it! :D! There are definitely some days that are easier than others for that! :O

  28. It’s so easy to get caught up in what we don’t know and what we want and hope for in the future. I think it’s a good thing you’re trying to make sure you stay present and appreciate each day.
    Kati Rose recently posted…I Was Singing With Them JezebelsMy Profile

    1. It’s a tad easier because I’m at least aware of it now! :O But there are still definitely some days that I reallyreally wish away, haha.

  29. I love that quote! It is really hard to live in the present these days. I have to really work to remind myself of this sometimes. I am a list maker too!
    Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Whip Up A Healthy Banana Split with Yoplait + GiveawayMy Profile

    1. It really is, especially if you’re a perpetual to-do list maker! :x But baby steps! :O

  30. I worry a lot – not so much about my future, but my kids’ future. I have to work constantly to just step back and enjoy the stage that they are in now and not stress about how 7th grade math will affect my son’s college. ;o)
    MCM Mama recently posted…Lifetime Half #39: 2015 RNR DCMy Profile

    1. hahaha, I know it’s hard and that I’m totally talking from the perspective of the kid since I don’t have kids, but don’t you worry–7th grade math definitely should not make a huge difference on your son’s collegiate future! :]!

  31. I think I have a bad tendency to live for the future. I’m always looking at what’s coming up next rather than living in the moment. This is a great reminder to myself. Thanks!
    Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…Thinking Out Loud #25 – My Crazy Week!My Profile

    1. I like to think that realizing it is half the battle, so hooray to both of us on that! We’ll get there! :]!

  32. Living in the present is definitely much easier said than done, but it is so important! I’ll keep trying if you do ;)
    Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…The Boyfriend Chronicles: How To Write The Perfect Blog PostMy Profile

    1. Agreed! :P We shall get there though! <3!

  33. It’s so easy to get caught up in the “future”. We often take for granted the present blessings. I’m learning this myself and how to take it one day at a time. Sometimes we need a heart check! Thanks for sharing.
    Artney @ My Pretty Brown Blog recently posted…Shake It Off , Tone It Up + Stairmill Workout!My Profile

    1. So very true! I’ve been trying to counter it by at least finding gratitude in a couple little things each day! :]

  34. I like to plan to some degree, but I am all about ENJOYING the NOW! I think it came from my Father who was very much a live in the moment and enjoy it guy.
    Elle recently posted…I am Spring Cleaningā€¦ Itā€™s TimeMy Profile

    1. That’s awesome! It’s definitely gonna take me some work to be able to do it, but I’m working on it! :]

  35. Despite how hard I try, I’m definitely a worrier, but I’m trying to be better about living in the present day.
    Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…My Goals for Sundayā€™s Shamrock Half MarathonMy Profile

    1. Same here! We’ll get there! <3

  36. I’m pretty good about being present and mindful, very good about not worrying about the future (honestly I don’t think much about it) but I do sometimes think back to the past, maybe a little too much. It’s a tough balance.
    Marcia recently posted…Who’s Your Health Icon?My Profile

    1. That’s awesome! I have a huge problem about worrying too much about my future, but hopefully things will fall into place! Good luck to the both of us in finding a balance!!

  37. I am a huge worrier, it runs in the family. I’ve started getting better about it though. I think my kids have forced me to focus more on the present!
    Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Love With Food: A subscription snack box with a great mission!My Profile

    1. I think I get my worrying from my mom!

      That’s good that your kids are helping you to focus on the present! :]

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