Time is an interesting concept. Time in many cases is your worst enemy. So often I find myself and others erroneously convinced that time is our salvation.

You hear this in people's language every single day. Statements like, "When I get this...then I will be," "When I accomplish that then life will change."

I want you to think hard today – really think! 

Time is nothing but a fabrication of our own imaginations. Imagine with me, if you will, earth before (or without) man. Plants, animals, trees, etc. inhabit and have dominion. Is there any time?

My dog never looks at her watch (rarely even puts it on :o)

The point is that time is something we as a people have created in our own minds. There had to be a period in history (long before you and I) in which there was no time. Just life. NOW you and I have a tendency to live not in "life" but in "life situations" – past and present.

There are only three places in which you can choose to place your attention – past, present, future. You know, and work with, people who choose different periods of emphasis.

Those who live in past life situations tend to be very good at experiencing grief, guilt and remorse, resentment, regret, sadness, all of which take energy and fulfillment from their life experience NOW. These individuals tend to look older than their age. The weight of the past is hard to carry and it takes its toll. They are forever trying to "fix the past" in their own minds. Now if you were to ask them about this phenomenon – they probably would not get it...this approach lies outside their conscious awareness.

Think about it...there is no way you can experience guilt in the NOW or even in the future. Guilt is only created when you are thinking about something you did that was a "mistake" and you are mentally beating yourself up about it and actually trying to recreate and "fix" it.

I have a friend who is constantly talking about the wrong that was done in the past. NOTHING can change this. To feel resentment about your past steals your life away; it takes a toll on your energy; your ability to perform in the NOW; it makes you constantly tired; it ages you and changes nothing; but re-creates the very thing you don't want in your life experience.

Many live their life in the future. Time is their salvation. Always thinking about what they are going to accomplish – what they have to do – the problems they must solve. In their minds, when these things are done and/or accomplished then life will be different...better.

Their language (as their thought) tends to be future oriented. This is an approach that fosters discontent, worry, disease, stress and it steals the quality of your life away. These individuals are forever trying to improve their life by creating something different than what they have NOW. In other words, NOW is not good enough...I need the next check, the next degree, the next pin, the next house – the list becomes endless. 

Think once again...what can you worry or be anxious about right NOW. Think hard now – the ONLY way you can worry is to go into the future and create a fabrication or problem that you think you cannot face and handle. In other words, you project into the future, and fail, and then drag this problem/failure back into now. This way of thinking steals the joy out of your moment and your day – right now.

"I have had many problems in my life...many of which never came to pass." 
                       - Mark Twain 

Living in the future guarantees that you never "arrive" and your life is stolen day by day waiting, anticipating, and worrying to "get there."

Time is the thief and yet time is ONLY something we have created to put structure to our day-to-day operations.

Eckhart Tolle says there are two types of time: clock time and psychological time. While clock time is absolutely necessary to function in the society we have created, psychological time determines the quality of our existence.

When asked the questions: "Where are you?" and "What time is it?," philosophically there are only two answers that can ever be given – "Here and NOW." But I submit that you, like me, find yourself often the victim of putting ourselves psychologically other than in here and now. Always thinking about what we "have done" or what we "need to do."

This is vitally important to your success in several areas: Happiness, fulfillment, and achievement. 

Any moment you are not fully placing your energy and focus on the NOW (the task at hand) you are not giving 100% to what you are doing. Consequently, you will not be at your best. 

As I write this, I find my mind frequently wandering to the other things I must do today. Giving psychological energy to them hampers me from focusing 100% of my abilities to what I am doing NOW. Hence, if not noticed and addressed, quality must suffer.

How often have you driven somewhere and, upon arriving, you cannot remember what happened between your destination and leaving your home? Where did that part of your life go? Can you ever regain it? What sights, experiences, beauty, joy did you miss because you were caught up in "where you are going" versus "where you are"?

Tough to do isn't it?

As you go through today, I challenge you to work with me on focusing 100% on what you are doing NOW – on where you are NOW – on the magic of this moment. This in no way means apathy or lack of setting goals. Just once you have set your goals...to enjoy the trip. You know where you are going – you know what you want in the future. NOW set it aside and enjoy the ride – fully – completely! Be completely grateful for what you already have!

What would have to happen for you to more fully experience and enjoy the trip?

If you commit to working on this with me, it will not be easy. And yet, you will find so much more color and joy in every single moment of your precious life.

Make your life magnificent – NOW.