Presence over Striving

So much of life can slip away in the “what ifs” and “somedays.” But when we rest into the present moment, we remember our wholeness. Here’s a reflection on choosing presence over striving.

When I think about my life, I notice how much time I’ve spent wandering into the “what ifs,” lingering on the unfulfilled wish list, and waiting for some future possibility to arrive. It’s easy to slip into believing that life will feel complete once everything finally lines up—when the job shifts, when the relationship deepens, when the to-do list clears, when the dream is finally realized.

But what if wholeness isn’t waiting for us in the “later”? What if it’s already here, woven into this very moment?

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The truth is, every moment we live is complete. The breath we are taking right now, the ground beneath us, the sensations of being alive—this is wholeness. It doesn’t ask for anything to be added or taken away. It doesn’t require us to earn it, prove it, or chase it down. When we allow ourselves to be present, really present, something softens. We remember that we don’t need to have all the answers or know what’s coming next. In the pause, in the stillness, in the noticing—there is completeness.

Of course, it’s natural to dream, to hope, to envision what’s possible. Those longings can inspire us forward. But when we let them pull us too far into the future, we lose the gift of now. And now is the only place where life is truly happening.

So, perhaps the invitation is not to choose between now or later, but to trust that wholeness is already ours in each breath, in each heartbeat, in each unfolding moment. From that grounded place, we can step into our dreams without leaving ourselves behind.

🌿 Gentle Reflection Practice

Take a few minutes to pause:

1. Settle In – Close your eyes, place both feet on the ground, and take a slow, steady breath.

2. Notice – Feel your body supported by the earth. Bring your awareness to your breath.

3. Affirmation – Silently say to yourself: “In this moment, I am complete. Nothing is missing.”

4. Journaling (Optional) – Open your notebook and finish this sentence: Right now, I feel whole when…

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Carry this reminder with you: wholeness isn’t waiting somewhere down the road—it’s here, in the tender unfolding of this very moment.