We all want to reach our goals. For some of us it’s losing weight, eating healthier, making better financial decisions, etc. Reaching those goals are often a challenge and we often sacrifice in order to reach them.

Today, I spoke with a learner who is almost finished with her PhD and she had faced and won many of the challenges that she has faced during her six-year journey. She shared with me that she recently arrived at a crossroads. She had a balance she had to pay in order to continue with her education. She could do that or instead pay for a major dental repair.

She shared with me that’s she missing her two front teeth and for her continuing with her education was more important than the visual ridicule she felt she would face. When I heard her share her passion to finish her education despite the challenges I couldn’t stop thinking about the sacrifice she had made. I cannot imagine being faced with or even needing to face that kind of sacrifice. To be honest, I cannot say I would have made the same choice she did. 

What has been your biggest sacrifice you’ve made?

An area of growth for me (as I have many) is living in the present. I pride myself on the ability to multitask and have often relied on it to manage all I do. Today, I was offered an opportunity to care for a friend’s Angel of a son who is 5 months old. For you mothers and fathers know that this age requires very close attention. The attention I was excited to give. My son, just this week turned 22 and has long required a close level of attention.

While caring for this little guy I was reminded the importance of providing my full attention. No, no dangers presented themselves. I simply found myself captured in the joy of interacting with such an inquisitive (and well, just plain cute) little one. We had profound conversations, snuggled, and played and for the time we spent together I was able to not consider any stressors nor pressures I’ve been focused on previously.

For those who know me this is not an easy task. My mind typically is juggling many thoughts of personal, work, financial, and relational topics. My hope is with great practice living in the moment will become a natural state instead of a desired one.

A common theme you will find while reading this blog is the frequent reminders of opportunities to learn and develop as a human being. I strive for better and encourage you to do the same.

How often are you living in the moment?