e gives us from a car in the next lane). We're sitting home worrying about tomorrow's work (and out the window we miss the leaves dancing harmoniously when stirred by a gentle breeze). Our minds race with constant miscellaneous chatter (and we miss the calm which results when all external thought is quieted).<So before we get to the little things, let me ask you this: What is the next BIG item on your agenda, the next milestone you're shooting for? Is it a change in your career path? Dropping 15 pounds? Improving your romantic situation? No matter what your unique circumstances, chances are you have some big goal on the horizon. It's human nature to want better, to want more. All well and good, but is there a cost?

Anything we give our attention to that hasn't happened yet - in other words, anything that takes our focus from the present moment - has the potential of becoming 'the next big thing' for us. And while it's necessary to plan at times, over-anticipating can keep us from enjoying the events which unfold each moment of our lives. Even something as simple as planning a Friday night out, if we dwell on it too long, can whisk us away from the Now.

Eckhardt Tolle in 'The Power of Now' states, "I have little use for the past and rarely think about it." That same principle could just as easily be applied to the future.

Any focus, be it backward or forward, takes our attention from the present moment. And that's when we end up missing the little things. We're rushing to get somewhere (and we miss a smile someone gives us from a car in the next lane). We're sitting home worrying about tomorrow's work (and out the window we miss the leaves dancing harmoniously when stirred by a gentle breeze). Our minds race with constant miscellaneous chatter (and we miss the calm which results when all external thought is quieted).<

n the horizon. It's human nature to want better, to want more. All well and good, but is there a cost?

Anything we give our attention to that hasn't happened yet - in other words, anything that takes our focus from the present moment - has the potential of becoming 'the next big thing' for us. And while it's necessary to plan at times, over-anticipating can keep us from enjoying the events which unfold each moment of our lives. Even something as simple as planning a Friday night out, if we dwell on it too long, can whisk us away from the Now.

Eckhardt Tolle in 'The Power of Now' states, "I have little use for the past and rarely think about it." That same principle could just as easily be applied to the future.

Any focus, be it backward or forward, takes our attention from the present moment. And that's when we end up missing the little things. We're rushing to get somewhere (and we miss a smile someone gives us from a car in the next lane). We're sitting home worrying about tomorrow's work (and out the window we miss the leaves dancing harmoniously when stirred by a gentle breeze). Our minds race with constant miscellaneous chatter (and we miss the calm which results when all external thought is quieted).<

it's necessary to plan at times, over-anticipating can keep us from enjoying the events which unfold each moment of our lives. Even something as simple as planning a Friday night out, if we dwell on it too long, can whisk us away from the Now.

Eckhardt Tolle in 'The Power of Now' states, "I have little use for the past and rarely think about it." That same principle could just as easily be applied to the future.

Any focus, be it backward or forward, takes our attention from the present moment. And that's when we end up missing the little things. We're rushing to get somewhere (and we miss a smile someone gives us from a car in the next lane). We're sitting home worrying about tomorrow's work (and out the window we miss the leaves dancing harmoniously when stirred by a gentle breeze). Our minds race with constant miscellaneous chatter (and we miss the calm which results when all external thought is quieted).<

se for the past and rarely think about it." That same principle could just as easily be applied to the future.

Any focus, be it backward or forward, takes our attention from the present moment. And that's when we end up missing the little things. We're rushing to get somewhere (and we miss a smile someone gives us from a car in the next lane). We're sitting home worrying about tomorrow's work (and out the window we miss the leaves dancing harmoniously when stirred by a gentle breeze). Our minds race with constant miscellaneous chatter (and we miss the calm which results when all external thought is quieted).<

e gives us from a car in the next lane). We're sitting home worrying about tomorrow's work (and out the window we miss the leaves dancing harmoniously when stirred by a gentle breeze). Our minds race with constant miscellaneous chatter (and we miss the calm which results when all external thought is quieted).

One of our most precious human gifts is that we are born creators. We're dreamers. Without that, I don't hesitate to say we'd really be nothing at all. But amid our journey of 'going places,' what about the things we're choosing (yes, I said 'choosing') to miss along the way? These are the little things - the everyday happenings which are ultimately the key to joy. And joy is arguably the greatest prize of our physical lives.

So will you begin to pay more attention to the myriad of life awakening before you in every moment? Will you become more present to the little things? Try it, and see how you feel.