If I could cast a spell on myself

This would for sure be it

I’m reading the most delightful fantasy book (the edges of the pages are purple!!), so magic is on my mind.

If I could wave a wand and cast a spell on myself, this is what I would say:

“Oh, sweet brain who tries so hard,

It’s time to stop taking life by the yard.

From this moment you shall think by the inch

And then your life will be a cinch.”

A cloud of cool, sparkling purple mist envelopes me. Then, I step out smiling and calm—a new woman who lives in the present.

You see, being able to stay present in the moment is one of my greatest weaknesses.

I seem to always be thinking about what’s next. During sacrament meeting my mind is wandering to what needs to be done for the second hour of church (even if I’ve already prepared for it.) Every evening I run mental rehearsal after mental rehearsal of what needs to happen the next morning. For some reason what’s coming next always feels more pressing than what is happening now.

And do you know what happens when you think/feel that way?

1) You get overwhelmed real quick

2) You enjoy life less

See why I want to cast a spell on myself??

One of my favorite quotes of all time is: “Feeling overwhelmed is a symptom of not being present.”

So the more present we are, the less overwhelmed we feel.

And it really does work. For me, the first step is noticing that I’m thinking ahead. Then I say to myself, “Thank you, Brain, for wanting to prepare us for that future situation. But there is actually nothing we need to do about that right now, so we are going to focus on and enjoy sacrament meeting.” Or the movie, or the game night, or whatever else I’m doing.

I love feeling present—and I’m getting better at it! But if a magic spell could really finish the job, I wouldn’t say no.

I’ve also found it interesting to realize how often Jesus taught about staying present. In the Book of Mormon, New Testament, and Doctrine and Covenants He says, (with slight variation in each book):

If God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, even so will he clothe you, if ye are not of little faith.

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.

Take therefore no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient is the day unto the evil thereof.” (3rd Nephi 13)

And in the Doctrine and Covenants He adds, “Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man.”

Life is too great to think or worry it away.

And since our world is (regrettably) devoid of magic wands, I’ll have to do the next best thing: practice. Practice enjoying where I am. Practice gently pulling my thoughts back to what I can see, smell, hear, or touch.

I was touched when I read in a Deseret News article that President Nelson is someone who “always gives his undivided attention.” A leader of the Church says the prophet “listens with such an intensity I’ve never seen it matched by anyone.”

His impressive ability to listen (that I’m sure developed because he practiced) is a huge blessing to others. The Deseret News told this sweet story:

Elder [Mervyn B.] Arnold was the personal beneficiary of President Nelson’s ministerial listening. He was among many men who gathered for brief interviews as President Nelson reorganized a stake presidency in Taylorsville. He asked Elder Arnold about his wife and children. Then he asked Elder Arnold if the family had any other children.

“He knew there was something more. I said, ‘Well, I have one boy who passed away,’” Elder Arnold recalls. “He just said, ‘Tell me about it.’ For the next 30 minutes he listened, ministered and salved a deep wound. I left that interview feeling the healing balm of the Savior upon me.”

I love that living in the present—paying attention—will not only help me feel better, but could also maybe be how I could help others feel better. And life is certainly at it’s prettiest when you are doing that :)

Bonus Blossoms

Adam has been missing the bonus blossoms haha, so here we go:

1. Why was this perspective on the whole “girlboss vs. stay-at-home mom vs. whatever-else” discussion so comforting?

2. A very, very tender story.

3. The completely delightful book I’m reading.

4. I recommend playing animals and dress up with baby Jack first thing in the morning: