There is nothing like the first fresh page in a brand new notebook. It brings back memories of new beginnings. The first day of school. The first day of a new semester. A new job. Optimism. Excitement. The starting line for an opportunity to learn. The promise of growth. New experiences.

My first post of 2022. Even though it is already February, I feel much the same. Where will we go this year? Each day, each post is a chance for new beginnings. Each breath is no different.

The sense of adventure. Expansiveness. While the process remains the same, the openness in front of me is vast.

Why waste a minute…..?

Or better yet, why fail to recognize and enjoy each minute. It will not be wasted but experienced. Then, I have lived. I have been present.

I may think I have much to write. I may think I have much to do. But really, the overriding consideration is that I have much to live.

I have built a process to stay in the moment. To experience life. I will continue to follow that process in 2022 along with the systems I have built.

I will not cease re-examining these systems. I will not cease stress testing them. But more importantly, I will not cease living.

If we build systems and processes for life solely to prepare for some event in the future, we are missing out on the present. We are missing the point. A system needs to be sustainable for the future, but, most importantly, it needs to survive in the present.

What good does it do if I build a process for living a long life, if I never actually live that life? If I never enjoy and savor the present moment? The only moment that I am ever assured of living.

Undoubtedly, there is a thin line to be walked between laying the groundwork for a long and happy life and actually enjoying every minute of that life. Of taking the steps to promote longevity and living each moment that I am given to the fullest.

There must be balance.

To be truly valuable, I must strive for the present, while building for the future.