the present

Posted on January 24, 2013 by Kelly

Going on my first full week post-dietetic internship, and I’m starting to feel more positive about the whole situation. Like so many other things, it’s all about the outlook and approach, which can shape the way I feel in a very good or very bad way. One of my Facebook friends posted this quote the other day, which I immediately related to and loved:

“If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present.” -Anonymous

I’ve been living in the past and the future wayyyyyy too much lately, but not at all in the present. So that is going to be my number one goal during this transition period (and maybe also the rest of life?) – to live more in the present. Instead of dwelling on the past and looking at the future as a big black hole of a question mark, I’m going to focus more on “getting shit done” now – finishing my internship portfolio, studying for the RD exam, starting spring semester classes, working more at the running store and job searching. Being miserable/sad/anxious about stuff I can’t really change isn’t going to help me now or in the future, so there’s really no point to it at all. Things will work out, I know they will.

Enough about that, though, because I’ve also been running (hooray!). It’s been frigid in NYC this week, but I would still pick the bridle path over the treadmill without question every time.

IMG_2497

10 degrees, 0 degree windchill. Bring. It.

I’ve run on Monday and Wednesday this week, between 6-6.5 miles each time without any pain whatsoever. The Achilles was a little sore after yesterday’s run, but some stretching and icing helped loosen it up. I think the every other day plan is working well and forcing me to come back slowly (well, that and Coach John’s orders). I’ve been spinning on the “off” days, and have even started to like the super sweaty, hard classes at my gym. Even so, every time I leave the gym my first thought is: “I get to run tomorrow!” #Typical.

I am curious: do you consciously try to live in the present? If so, how? I could use some tips :)  

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  • runnerskitchen

    A brisk, winter run can be peaceful or invigorating or just all-around great, but….I (not so) secretly love a really sweaty spin class or treadmill speed session. Glad to hear you and Lindsay are tearing it up on the spin bikes. Hopefully you’ll be out on the roads again full time asap! As for living in the present…hmm. I’m not so good at that. But a big glass of wine usually helps me relax! #healthyliving?

    • MealsforMiles

      loving the spin classes – wish you could join for one! And I haven’t not used that solution for relaxation lately… I do think it’s #healthyliving for sure :)

  • Gabby @ Marathons and Macarons

    Last year when I was living in Italy teaching English I did try to consciously stay in the present and accept things as they came, and did a pretty good job of it. Back in NYC this year it’s harder to do – but I try to notice tactile and tangible details of the world around me to ground me in the present, like the sun shining or the feeling of the fresh air, the architecture of buildings, even cracks in the sidewalk. It keeps me focused on the here and now.

    • MealsforMiles

      That is really good advice! It is definitely a hard thing to do in NYC but noticing the little things sounds like a good start.

  • runningseal

    I wish I were better at living in the present in general and racing in the present during races. SFM was the one race I was just in the present and it worked out a lot better. Usually I just get anxious about how I will keep it up. So yea, being in the present is better in running in and life but I need help too! I guess not worrying so much about the outcome but the process can help.

    • MealsforMiles

      Oh yeah me too re: the running! I didn’t even think of that, but you’re so right. I freak out about not being able to keep up a certain pace too. Haha we can help each other ??

  • Abbe Lew

    Love this post! As someone who is constantly living in the future, I definitely need to take your quote and repeat it to myself over and over and over and over and over…

    • MealsforMiles

      thanks lady! Ever since I saw the quote I’ve been reminding myself of it :)

  • Erin @ erinruns.com

    Great post. I often think that the busier I am in my day to day life then the less I worry about the future. Not to be confused with being ill prepared for the future, though. I plan and prepare and set goals for myself and family, but I refuse to be anxious about something that I have little control over.

    • MealsforMiles

      +1000! I will always plan and prepare for the future too, but it’s the whole not being anxious about it I need to work on!

  • MealsforMiles

    oh, thanks for the link! Perhaps i will check that book out :)

  • http://twitter.com/CandyCrazedRun Anne@CandyCrazedRun

    Yayyyyy pain-free running!!!!
    THAT right there is living in the present :)

  • http://runthelongroad.com/ RunTheLongRoad

    so happy your achilles pain is gone :)

    oooh, i’m so bad about living in the present. i’m of know help whatsoever. in fact, i’m going to read everyone’s comments to pick up some tips :)

  • Emily

    Great post! I am insanely bad at living in the present. It is a huge struggle for me. I love the quote too!!! Totally true!!