The Writer's Ink: Just enjoy the moment.

Hi friends how are you?! :) After a few weeks travelling along Alaska's Inside Passage visiting Haines, Wrangell and Prince Rupert then through the Rockies, I'm now in Vancouver. Ah I love this city. Well, it does help that it's summer and the weather is stunnnn-ning at the moment :)

So do you ever find yourself thinking ahead and planning for the next thing, while you're actually still in the middle of something else? Well I do. It's kind of like I'm half enjoying the moment, but then I'm half in the future at the same time. Do you know what I mean? Anyway, last night after a few long travel days, I went for a run along the waterfront. I wanted to make the most of the balmy summer night and it was just so gorgeous. After running for a bit, I sat down on a bench overlooking the marina at Coal Harbour, when suddenly my mind began to tick.

One second I was running along the water, the wind in my hair, enjoying the moment, and then all of a sudden I was in a spiral of thoughts twirling around and around like a tornado. Thoughts like, "okay tomorrow we're doing this... and then next week I have to arrange this... and then next weekend I'll be getting to New York... and then oh my gosh I have to arrange that..." What the heck?! And all the while I was sitting on a stunning harbour, looking at this view...

Then I heard that still small voice say... Nat, stay in the moment. :)

Oh my gosh! That very second I wanted to slap myself! There I was watching one of the most breathtaking sights of my adventure thus far... and my mind was off with the pixies! So right away I captured my 'slightly-psycho' runaway thoughts and I stopped. As if talking to a child I said to myself, "Natalie, look where you and let's just stay here for now!" Instantly my eyes were drawn to a boat sailing away in the distance. Then to some ducks swimming leaving a ripple behind. Then I spotted some girlfriends walking along laughing. Then along came some kids skipping. I inhaled a big breath... and just sat.

How much more is there for us when we actually stay in the moment? We need to be aware, because tomorrow often tries to rob today of it's joy. But let's not worry about tomorrow, or next week, or next month.

"Let us not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition, definite requests with thanksgiving, continue to make our requests known to God...

And his peace shall be yours. That peace which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." What a promise hey. :)

So let's stay in the moment today. Take a moment to go for a walk... Grab a coffee on your own and just people watch... Put your phone away and look up to the sky (it's amazing how gorgeous the tops of buildings are if you just look!)... Go to a new park at lunchtime and lay on the grass... Spend ten minutes chatting to someone new... Stop and take in the view around you...

You don't have to rush ahead. You have permission to stop and enjoy now, because all too soon that moment will be gone. I have four days left leading this tour, but I am not thinking about what's ahead, I'm thinking about now. We are about to head out on a city tour of Vancouver which will be fun. So I am going to stop in each moment, enjoy every new sight and smell... and hang out with some amazing people.

Have an awesome day my friends. Sending you lots of love from Canada :)

Nat xxx

Ps here are some pics from my Alaska and Canada journey so far...

(more pics on my Instagram - @thewritersink)