Living in the past can prevent you from fully experiencing and embracing the present moment. When you dwell on past mistakes, missed opportunities, or hold onto grudges, you rob yourself of the blessings and opportunities that exist in your daily lives. As a Catholic Moms in the Middle, it's normal to think about the past, but when you constantly replay past events or compare the present to an idealized version of the past, you become stuck in a cycle of regret and nostalgia. To live in the present, you can practice gratitude by focusing on the blessings of the current moment, trust in God's provision and guidance for the future, and let go of past hurts and resentments through forgiveness.

Cultivating gratitude is a powerful way to shift your focus to the present moment. By expressing gratitude for even the smallest blessings, you can redirect your thoughts away from the past or future worries and find joy in the present. Jesus encourages you not to worry about tomorrow but to trust in God's provision. As a midlife mom, it is important to surrender your anxieties and trust in God so you can experience peace and live more fully in the here and now. Letting go of worries and regrets allows you to embrace the present moment and experience the goodness that surrounds you.

In addition, the apostle Paul in Romans, reminds you to forget what is behind and strive towards what lies ahead. Dwelling on past mistakes or missed opportunities hinders your personal growth and prevents you from reaching your goals. Instead, you should press on towards the prize God has for you by focusing on the present and the future with hope and determination. By releasing regrets and embracing the present moment, you free yourself from the burden of negative emotions and open yourself up to healing, growth, and healthier relationships.

Jennie is a Catholic speaker, Life Coach, Podcaster, Weekly Radio Show Host on Nashville Catholic Radio, and founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. After 26 years of working in Catholic education, Jennie felt God calling her "to step out of the boat" to serve in a new way. In her new ministry as a Catholic Life Coach, she now equips and encourages middle-life moms to reconnect with who they are and their unique God-given purpose so they can MAGNIFY Christ in their corner of the world.