How can we embrace the now and savor the blessings right in front of us? This post explores simple ways to reconnect with the present moment and cultivate gratitude.

---

In so many ways, we live in exciting times. We are connected. We’re seeing more and more medical breakthroughs that improve quality of living for so many. There are so many resources within our reach.

And blessings. Not that all the things I’ve already mentioned aren’t blessings, but personally we have so many blessings.

I’ve seen a meme floating around social media several times that says something like, How many things around you are what you prayed for yesterday?

It is so good. But sometimes, we can focus so much on those things that we forget to appreciate the here and now. The in-between. The time that feels . . . just normal.

We miss the now looking for the next. How can we be more in the moment? How can we appreciate the small things around us? Here are some of the ways I hope to savor my present moments.

How to Savor Joy in the Here and Now

#1 – Unplug.

We’ve never been so connected as we are now. Most of us have a hand-held device that allows us to call, text, email, interact with social media, see breaking news seconds after it’s released, check the weather, check our to-do list, watch TV, read, and on and on.

We can be just as engaged with all the things that we want.

For me, though, I’ve noticed this keeps me in the go mindset. In the mindset that watching one of my favorite TV shows isn’t enough. Why not play a game too?

But what if I unplug? What if I limit some of the notifications? What if I put my phone down while spending time with my sweet husband? What if I don’t try to fill up every second?

#2 – Focus on Others.

Speaking of “small” things, the little moments with those I love are some of the easiest things to miss. As easy as it is to miss the little with my closest people, what am I missing with others? My greatest purpose isn’t to break my Candy Crush record. It is to love others, showing them the love Christ has shown me.

#3 – Exercise.

Several years ago, for a resolution, I wanted to start an exercise routine. I didn’t become a gym rat, but little by little each year I’ve found a routine that works for me. There have been so many benefits to exercising regularly, but one of them has surprised me: I’ve been more content with the body God gave me.

And I think just moving my body in space has helped me feel more connected to the present. Even on those days when my limbs feel heavy, like I’m slugging through.

Overall, I see the difference in my strength and stamina, which helps me keep going on those hard days but also makes me feel more prepared to tackle all my days than I was when I started.

#4 – Be Creative.

I used to envy artists. Creatives. The vision in my mind was that each one was a kind of prodigy. The average person may as well not even try because you either had the gift or you didn’t. And I didn’t.

My vision has changed drastically since that time, though. I don’t know where I heard this, but whoever it was said that God is creative. He loves to create. And He loves to make creatures that also create.

Now I still think there is natural God-given talent, but like so many things in life, creativity isn’t something only given to a select few “creatives.”

That’s because creativity doesn’t just apply to painting, drawing, and writing. It’s all around us.

It’s in crocheting or knitting, but it’s also in cooking that meal to feed your finicky family.

It’s hanging those family pictures on the wall just so.

It’s in the lawn work and improvising at your job when the resources you need aren’t there.

It’s everywhere, and leaning into it is a great way to savor the present moments.

#5 – Listen to Throw-Back Christian Music.

One of my favorite ways to reconnect with the moment is to put on some Christian tunes I haven’t heard in a while. The familiar melodies and Christ-focused lyrics help me to remember the basics. There’s a touch of nostalgia, but, most of all, they help me to remember where I’ve come from and how blessed I am in this very moment.

#6 – Focus on Others.

It’s interesting to me how often one of the healthiest things we can do for our mental and emotional health is to focus on others.

Now there can be an unhealthy focus on others when it’s about comparison or codependency or even an abusive relationship.

But it’s great when it helps us to put our issues into perspective. When we recognize that others have problems too. That we’re not alone.

#7 – Change up Bible Reading and Prayer Routines.

As healthy as it can be to focus outside ourselves to others, focusing on God is even better. That’s when our priorities can be realigned.

Of course, the best ways to focus on God are through talking to Him through prayer and reading Scripture.

After a while, though, I find that my routine can feel stale and like a . . . well, a routine. It feels more like checking an item off my to-do list. When this happens, I find a little change-up helps. Starting a new reading plan or writing out my prayers, whatever feels fresh, can help me to feel more present.

---

Do you ever struggle with appreciating the present? What helps you? Share in the comments below.

---

More reading

• How to Let Go of Shame & Embrace Our God-Given Identity from HISsparrowBlog
• When You Feel Like You’re Not Enough from HISsparrowBlog
• 4 Things I’m Learning from My Happiness Missteps from HISsparrowBlog

---

I frequently link up with the following: Grace & Truth with Embracing the Unexpected, Instaencouragements with Patsy and her crew, Let’s Have Coffee with Joanne Viola, and Blessing Bloggers with Deb Wolf.