"Being present." Oh yes, we’ve all heard it a million times. Whether you’re binge-watching YouTube wellness gurus or scrolling through Instagram mindfulness quotes, it’s everywhere. It’s as common as a cup of tea in good old London, but like a badly made cuppa, it can be a bit… bland. What exactly does it mean to be "present"? And how does it connect to that trendy little word "mindfulness"? Is it just another thing to add to our already overwhelming to-do lists, right next to "sort the laundry" and "finally learn yoga"?
Not to worry, I’ve got you covered. We’re about to break down this whole "being present" business in a way that’s fun, fabulous, and refreshingly real. None of that woo-woo talk, just the no-nonsense lowdown on what it means, how it actually feels, and why you should care.
Read more: Being Present: Ditching Auto-Pilot and Owning Your Life (with a Little Attitude)
Oi! Yes, you there!
I see you scrolling, your thumb doing that weird twitch as you jump from Instagram to TikTok to your inbox and back again. Believe me, I get it! The digital world is all shiny and addictive – a constant flow of dopamine hits straight to your brain. But, just for a moment, let’s hit pause. Seriously, stop reading for a second, put your phone down (just for a sec, promise), and have a good look around.
Cue elevator music while you enjoy your moment of clarity.
Back? Brilliant. Now, what did you notice? My guess is that life is happening all around you, but you’re missing it while you’re lost in a whirlpool of apps and notifications. Don’t worry – we’re all guilty of it. But here’s your friendly reminder: life’s not happening in that inbox or those 87 unread notifications; it’s happening right in front of you, in real-time, begging for your attention.
Read more: Pause. ☕️ Put Down the Phone (Just for a Sec, Promise!)
Do you ever find yourself playing the "I'll be happy when..." game? You know the one. It usually starts with something like, "I’ll be happy when I get married." You find your dream partner, tie the knot, and BAM! Happily ever after, right? Except… then you think, "Well, life will be perfect after we have a baby." Then you have a baby (or two), and somehow, it’s still not perfect. SHOCKING!
So, what do we do? We keep moving the happiness finish line! "I’ll be happier when the kids are older," you tell yourself while managing the tantrums and chaos. Then the kids hit their teenage years, and suddenly, you’re daydreaming about how much easier life will be when they’ve moved out. Oh, and then there’s the car situation. Life will feel complete when you finally upgrade to that sleek ride that you’ve been eyeing for months. Or maybe happiness is waiting for you on a beach somewhere after retirement when you can sip margaritas at noon without feeling judged.
When most people hear the word grief, they immediately associate it with death. The passing of a loved one—whether it's a family member, close friend, or even a cherished pet — it brings waves of sadness, heartache, and mourning. It's natural to connect grief with death, but that’s just one dimension of what grief encompasses. In reality, grief is a multifaceted experience, touching many areas of life that go beyond physical loss.
Consider this: have you ever separated from someone, gone through a divorce, or perhaps experienced the painful end of a long-term relationship? It’s a different kind of grief, but grief all the same. You’re not just mourning the loss of the person; you’re also grieving the loss of shared memories, future plans, mutual friendships, and even a version of yourself that existed within that relationship.
Read more: The Hidden Faces of Grief: Dealing with Loss Beyond Death
Let’s face it, we’ve all had those days where nothing seems to go right. Your hair's a mess, your boss is on a rampage, and you’ve spilt tea down your favourite jumper. Sounds like it’s time to press CTRL + ALT + DEL on life, doesn’t it? Well, here’s the good news: you can! Just like your trusty computer, you can reboot your mind, reset your attitude, and start afresh.
But let’s break it down, shall we? Here’s how you can apply the CTRL + ALT + DEL formula to your everyday life and banish negativity like the pro you are!
Read more: CTRL + ALT + DEL Your Life: A Guide to Resetting Your Mindset