I’ve lived on this Earth for almost 43 years now. Yes, in June it’ll be 43 rotations around the sun for me!

For some this may seem like a lot, for others not so much.

I’ve learned a thing or two about life in this time, and there’s one skill that I think is a SUPERPOWER when it comes to pretty much anything…

Whether it’s handling the ups and downs of life…

… or taking on transformation and change to become the best version of you…

… or dealing with rejection…

… or dealing with loss…

… or WELL, anything life throws at you.

I’ve been around long enough to know for sure: life doesn’t get easier, but we can be better equipped to deal with whatever happens.

So what’s the ultimate skill you ask?

It’s being fully PRESENT in the moment.

Sounds simple enough, but in practice is quite challenging.

So what does it mean to be fully present in the moment?

It means sitting with the pain and uncomfortableness of grief and loss. Allowing yourself to fully feel.

Being in the ‘I don’t know’ and fully feeling the uncertainty of it.

Not just feeling it for a bit and then trying to move out of it.

It’s providing yourself the space to be there, uncomfortable, uncertain, scared, etc. for however long it’s necessary.

It’s not about self-abuse—it’s actually about grace.

It’s about learning to be OK with not knowing, with uncertainty, uncomfortableness, feelings of powerlessness, enormous amounts of grief and sadness…

… without losing hope.

It’s understanding that life isn’t over if you feel these and other difficult feelings.

It’s understanding that this too shall pass.

Nothing is permanent.

The good or the bad.

But learning to BE with the difficult makes you a sort of super hero.

It makes you stronger, almost invincible to life’s storms. Not that the storms don’t hurt, but FINALLY you understand that when they end, the sun will come out eventually.

This isn’t about TOXIC POSITIVITY* either.

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* toxic positivity = the belief that no matter how difficult a situation, we should maintain a positive mindset

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Toxic positivity is when we’re actually uncomfortable with difficult emotions and don’t permit ourselves to experience or discuss them. You know, “good vibes only”.

Toxic positivity is the opposite of what I’m suggesting.

What I’m suggesting is being OK with whatever is now—in you and around you. Learning to accept it, without trying to change it.

It’s difficult.

It means letting go of our illusions and desires… of what we think we should be, what life should be, what the situation should be…

It’s about learning to be at peace in the present moment.

It’s so simple yet so hard.

But also so rewarding when you actually achieve it.

When you’re in the depths of despair, but also accept it.

You’re falling apart, but also know that everything will be all right.

You suddenly don’t need things to be perfect.

You can accept life for what it is.

And maybe at some point you realize you can accept yourself for who you are.

Because you’re a pretty awesome being RIGHT NOW!

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Embrace the present moment!

Your 5-minute practice:

1. Find a quiet and comfortable spot, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths.
2. Focus on the sensation of your breath going in and out. Allow yourself to let go of any tension in your body and any racing thoughts in your mind.
3. With each breath, try to bring your awareness to the present moment. Notice any sounds around you, any sensations in your body, and just be fully present without judgment or analysis.
4. If any worries or negative thoughts come up, simply acknowledge them without dwelling on them and bring your focus back to your breath.

This simple practice can help you cultivate mindfulness and acceptance towards yourself and your surroundings.

Remember, it’s okay if your mind wanders during this exercise; just gently guide it back to being present.

With regular practice, you will notice a positive shift in your mindset and feel more at peace with the present moment.