“J” also joins us today, a fellow ChronicBabe who knows what it’s like to live with illness - and the challenges it poses to our ability to be fully present throughout the day. Here’s what she has to say:

For me, “be here now” means getting out of my “headspace” and into “meatspace.” I am one of those people with an imagination, and who focuses too much on the negative, so between the two I’m constantly thinking about what could have been, or what I want to have happen - even if it’s not realistic. I’m also prone to depression, and being home for the past six months due to my lupus diagnosis has definitely not helped with any of these things!

“Be here now” means focusing on the things happening in the moment, as well as the good things in my life - not just wishing things could be different or wishing for things that can’t (at least at this point) happen.

So true, J. Sometimes it all comes down to this very basic, true point: it’s about focusing on the positive and the present. Thanks for the reminder!