I am thrilled to be the featured blogger for The SITS Girls on Monday, May 20, 2013!  Yes!  A big shout-out and welcome to my SITSTAS, to all newcomers and of course, to my regulars too!  So nice to have you!

A little background if you’re new here:  As a life coach with a Master’s in psychology, I write about living an extraordinary life.  As a divorced mother of 3 children who is remarried now with one step-child, I also write about divorce, step-parenting, blended families, parenting, teens, and Parental Alienation. Oh, and there’s running.  My most-read article is how to train for a 5k if you’re a beginner.

Photo Credit: www.inhabitots.com

I write weekly because of my busy schedule. I’ve also recently started a new holistic and all-natural beauty company, Nicole’s Naturals (see the sidebar for more information) which I absolutely love because it allows me to create in a way that coaching and writing cannot–in the here and now instead of being “in my head” all the time.

This week’s post is on being present and being in the moment.  After I read an article on the blog For Their Tender Hearts on living with intention (to read it, click here:  Heart Your Nails Day), it got me thinking.  The blogger wrote about living in the moment with intention.  Oooohhhh, I really like that!  She gave the example of being in the moment with her little girls while they did their nails and bringing with her the intention of being positive and creating a nice memory for them.  I think that’s such a lovely thought–to be in the moment with positive intention.

And that got me to thinking…Oprah has a quote that really resonates with me.  It was something like “You are responsible for the energy you bring into a space.”  No one else can make you angry or sad, or even happy–YOU do!  Your thoughts do!  So when you have an opportunity to create a nice environment for your family or a nice experience with a loved one, do you approach it with the intention of creating a loving memory or making it nice for them; or are you caught up in the past or future? Attitude can make or break a moment.  But, if you’re in a bad mood, are you really in the moment or have you jumped out?  Personally, I think both can be true.  I think you can be sick or tired, and it can be hard to rally for a nail-polishing extravaganza.  You just bring what you can to the moment.

Many times, people check out of this moment because their thoughts have steered them elsewhere.  That’s where having an intention can be of great help.  I INTEND to make this nice for someone else.  I INTEND to have a great time and make a wonderful memory.

Since I am a big fan of quotes, I’d thought I’d share a few with you that have to do with being present:

“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.” – Buddha

“Life is available only in the present moment. If you abandon the present moment you cannot live the moments of your daily life deeply.”–Thich Nhat Hanh

“Love the moment, and the energy of the moment will spread beyond all boundaries.”–Corita Kent

I’m curious:  How do you manage to stay in the moment?  If you regularly meditate, do you find it easier to be present during the day because of your practice?  Let me know by leaving a comment below.