NEVER A DULL MOMENT Why We Should Live for Today
We can’t change the past, nor can we predict or guarantee the future. In the end, all we have is the present, yet most of us live our lives ignoring its many possibilities.
But how do you even get started? The process requires a different way of thinking called mindfulness. Mindfulness is about focusing on what is happening in the present moment — not that work deadline, the movie you just watched, what’s for dinner, or the kids’ extracurricular schedule. It takes practice, and many people use meditation or breathing to help. When mindful, we concentrate on what others say and become more fully present. We also start to notice the small things we usually overlook: the cool breeze on our skin, the sound of the birds, the feel of a sweater, or the sight of our loved ones smiling. Our lives become fuller. And our stress decreases because we’re not clinging to things beyond our command. No one ever stops worrying entirely, and some planning is necessary to live a successful life. But too much can leave us with no energy or time to enjoy it. John Lennon once sang, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” Start living in the present so you don’t blink and miss yours.
It’s easy to tune out the life around you, especially if you do many of the same things every day. Taking care of the kids, commuting, working, and running errands can blur together. Just as bad, when life isn’t going the way we want, it’s easy to fantasize about how things “should” be or how they once were. When we live busy or stressful lives, worrying or planning can also make us feel more in control. The problem with these strategies is that they don’t change anything. They help us discount the only thing we can control: what we do now. Life can pass you by that way if you’re not careful. The solution is to exist in the present moment as much as possible and enjoy the good things around us while we have them. Studies show that living this way makes people happier, healthier, and more likely to form strong relationships.
CREAMY PARMESAN ORECCHIETTE
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want to keep spending time together. Sometimes, a match you thought would be perfect doesn’t work out. Most importantly, remember the quantity of friends you have is less important than the quality of the relationships. It’s possible to feel lonely in a crowded room, so having 2–3 close confidants is generally better than having a substantial network of casual acquaintances. Focus on finding connections with people who value you, and make regular time to spend together.
1. Cook orecchiette according to package directions. 2. On 2 baking sheets, place veggies. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400 F for 20–30 minutes until tender. 3. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and thyme, then sauté until soft. Add flour and whisk until smooth. Pour in the chicken broth 1/2 cup at a time, whisking to incorporate. Finish with Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and salt. 4. Toss everything together. Top generously with pumpkin seeds and Parmesan cheese.
INGREDIENTS
For pasta: • 16 oz
For sauce: • 3 tbsp butter • 2 cloves garlic • 1–2 tsp fresh minced thyme • 3 tbsp flour • 2–3 cups chicken broth • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese • Lemon juice, to taste • Salt, to taste
orecchiette • 3 cups cubed butternut squash • 3 cups broccolini • Olive oil • Salt, to taste • Ground black pepper, to taste • Pumpkin seeds
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