The BetterWorld Book
Do One Thing for a better world ... Together we make a world of difference

12. Live In The Now


"Every breath we take, every step we make, can be filled with peace, joy, and serenity. We need only to be awake, alive in the present moment."
-- Thich Nhat Hanh

One of the most liberating tools for peacebuilders is learning to let go. We carry so many burdens with us, from our childhood throughout our lives. We carry hurts about wrongs that were done to us. We carry regrets about things we wish we had or hadn't done. We hide these memories, but the anger and hurt and regret can influence the way we think and interact without our even knowing it.

Some people let their pride destroy in one moment, a relationship that took a lifetime to build. Each side is waiting for the other to say that they are sorry. What we forget to realize is that often right and wrong is a matter of perception. Both sides may perceive that they were wronged. Sometimes letting it go and saying "I'm sorry" will break down the walls and allow you talk constructively about the problem.

We often forget to live while we're living, because we're focusing on something that we wish to be. Or we're worried about something that lies ahead, and it distracts us so that we don't seem to be able to accomplish anything or get any closer to where we want to be.

The key to living a better world lifestyle is to set our sites on where we want to be, but focus on where we are NOW, and take each step, moment by moment. The past is past. The future will come when it comes. We are here in the present. We can learn from the past. Where we can, we can try to mend our relationships and do what we can to create a better world. But where there is nothing we can do, we have to let it go. We have to let ourselves live, free of the burdens of guilt, and regret and anger. We can plan for the future, but we must live in the present and let go of anxiety and worries about what might be.

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The BetterWorld Book
Do One Thing for a better world ... Together we make a world of difference

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CHAPTERS
0. Do you wish for a better world? 
1. What If... 
2. The Big Picture
3. The Better World Movement
4. Living for A Better World
5. Goals & Obstacles 
6. A Better World Starts With Me
7. Better World Lifestyle
8. Inner Peace
9. Time Out For Peace
10. One Step At A Time
11. We Can Work It Out
12. Live In The Now
13. Choices for a Better World
14. Living Sustainably
15. Better World Activists
16. Better World Families
17. Teach a Better World
18. Better World Clubs
19. Celebrate for a Better World
20. Better World Fairs & Festivals
21. Letters for a Better World
22. Spread the Word
23. A Better World Economy
24. A Better World Industry
25. Envision A Better World  
26. Better World Blueprints  
27. Imagine A Better World 
28. Better World Institutions
29. Better World Projects
30. Questions & Answers

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