Are you checking boxes or really living?

This one can hit you like a sucker punch if you've been so overwhelmed in life that you're just going through the motions and checking off the boxes of life. Many women want to be more in the present moment but are unsure just how to do that when the demands of life feel so heavy and their head is full of the endless list of to-dos.

Here are a few simple ways to be more present, to actually feel like you are living your life, and become happier in the process.

1. Remove distractions.

A few distractions I repeatedly see are notifications on computers, watches, and phones, which can steal your joy and focus in an instant. They remind you of things undone, what's left to do, or give a sense of urgency to respond immediately. The constant access to you from your devices is a life sucker.

A few ways to handle this:

- You can turn off all notifications at certain times.

- Leave all devices in a certain spot.

- Turn some notifications completely off.

- Or, like I did, get rid of the watch altogether because "don't tell me I need to stand up, I will do what I want when I want!" For real though, I just was over the access to information on my wrist. I got an Oura Ring for my sleep, health, and steps, and that feels like enough information without the texts and calls attached to me. If you struggle with work creeping into your home life, then for sure, turning off notifications is a must-do so you can begin to be present and focused on living what's right in front of you.

2. Intentionally be in the moment.

Breathe. Tap into all of your senses and feel the life that is happening. Time will feel like it's in slow motion, and you can really decide how you want to be, instead of mindlessly going through and checking boxes. Start small and decide when you want to do this. If you think the whole day will be exhausting and frustrating, try taking a special time of day to set your intentional focus and decide how you want to be in it.

3. Journal.

This can vary from a daily sentence or word to describe your day to a full-on journal session. By taking time to actively reflect, you burn that shit in your mind and will, without a doubt, know if you are living on purpose or just checking out.

If you want the extended version of this blog check out episode 66 of my podcast that drops tomorrow! I hope this helps to shake you awake and give you the nudge you need to stop just checking boxes and start really living in the moments of life.