Interesting post, on a topic I've also mused about.

Another (complementary) way of thinking about the future while not leaching the life out of the present is just to realise that for homo sapiens the present contains a trace of the future, because of our capacity for planning, imaginitively projecting ourselves, etc. A 'present' that always tries to exclude this element is, for *us*, somewhat impoverishing. This crucial point where this diverges from neuroticism about the future is to be aware that this form of enrichment does not depend on a future pay-off for its value. For better or worse, our world of meaning just does comport itself towards the future, and this is the case whether or not that future ever comes to pass.

It is certainly easy to do with the little things - dropping that last fifteen pounds, quitting smoking, taking up jogging, eating healthier - but larger, more entirely life changing decisions are much scarier. I think Americans, myself included, define themselves by their jobs/income levels. I hate my job, but it finances my lifestyle. My number one fear in life is losing my job and living in a box; and yet at the same time the thought of losing it all is strangely liberating. I think it would free me to be who I want to be - the me of the future.

So how do you approach that future? If it's a change you know you need to make but are mired in fear, how do you get out of that particular trap enough to move on?

Hey Jennifer I was thinking the same thing.

Your blog (and this post) are pretty interesting. I wanted to share something relevant that I thought was interesting, too. I just finished reading James Arthur Ray’s newest book, Harmonic Wealth, and I had to share this concept he has that I think makes so much sense: LIVING FROM THE OUTCOME (Page 322). James says that most people live toward the outcome, meaning you are living like you don’t have it yet. He says you should shift your thinking so that you are LIVING FROM THE OUTCOME and thus sending out the energy to the world that you already have it. Think, feel, and act like you’ve already made it and the universe will say “Your wish is my command.”

For me, that meant acting like I was more valuable as an individual – acting like a $500 a day earner instead of a $150 a day earner (no more reality TV marathons!) and acting like a thin and fit woman instead of a slightly overweight and sometimes lazy woman (goodbye Ranch Doritos!). Honestly, in the two weeks since I put down the book, things have started changing. And I think it really comes down to that one concept.

Check out the Harmonic Wealth site and link to the book: harmonicwealth.com/read

- A harmonic wealth fan

What you are describing has great parallel to "The Secret", from which I'm sure you're familiar. The idea that "thoughts become things", a classic mind over matter with the twist that the energy in the universe bounces back and helps you, (which is not unfathomable).
Which, when put either way, really IS effective and, I think, more motivational. People have a hard time figuring out where to start. You put your mind where you want it first and then the rest will follow, slowly but surly.

This is all very interesting - being in the moment, the NOW, all these books pointing to the same idea of living in the moment-being present. I have to agree that these concepts have been kicking around for a very long time, we've just been alerted to them through mass media. I think some of us have finally slowed down and listened. It is a choice.

Hi Michael,

Thanks for this post! This is a stupendous way to synthesize living in this moment, while keeping it in line with ones desires and intentions. Live *today* *as* what you desire to be: keeps one both moving towards the desired state and grounded in the here and now.