What About Now? (BY SHIRLEY)

 Friday the weather dropped dramatically, the Ex opened, and Walmart is displaying winter coats.  Automatically many swivel to the end of summer and back to school.  We tend to look forward, anticipating the next season, the next holiday, the next adventure.  
After our TPW walk on Thursday, we enjoyed a coffee and talked about our future plans.  More trips to different places and meeting up with family/friends.  Today I met up with my sisters for a walk to Old Mill and James Gardens.  We caught up on what was happening in each others lives.  Discussed what was happening with the kids (young adults) and upcoming events.
As I walked home, I thought what about now?  How does today feel?  I slowed my pace and enjoyed the beautiful gardens in my neighbourhood.  These flowers will only be with us for a short period of time.  We need to take time to appreciate their beauty.  My walk became meditative as I looked at the combinations and varieties of plants laid out before me.
I have been reading about mindfulness and how it can help you to center in the Now.  I realized being present and relishing the moment can refill my energy and reduce stress.  Yes, we need to plan for future events, but it should not detract from the Now.