Let It Be

I've been having long conversations with my 15 yr. old, big-hearted daughter lately about 'who' we are vs. 'what' we are. So...what exactly does that mean?

One of the most memorable conversations started over her concern for a friend who was struggling with identity. Confusion, anger, depression, self-doubt...all centered on how other people would label, perceive, and judge both him and his place in the world. I know...we all want to say in these moments "it doesn't matter what other people think! Just be yourself."

Easier said than done.

We came to the conclusion, on a spontaneous midnight walk, that we'd all be better off...in our own heads, and in a social way...if we could just concentrate on 'being' sometimes. Being who we are, being in the moment, being mindful in that moment, whether in solitude or with other people. Just being, whatever that needs to mean at any certain point in time, under the given circumstances.

And accepting that moment as important and worthy of our time and respect.

We get so caught up in the future--in the ideal--that we forget about the beauty and opportunity in the moment. We forget that the 'ideal' is right there in front of us, as an opportunity calling, that nagging feeling that you're missing something. It could be the person in front of you, like my daughter that night, or your dog, or a tree(!), or even a random thought that won't leave you alone. It might be that idea that you've been pushing aside, saying "one day," that refuses to materialize into 'day one.'

Maybe it's you, that person in the mirror who you refuse to accept...the one behind the fa?ade.

I found an interesting interview with Bill Murray this morning that captures some of the essence of my conversations with my daughter (thank you, my love, for keeping me awake...):

Bill Murray, in the moment

Enjoy your moment today, wherever you find it.