The thing about the here and now thing

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” ~Viktor E. Frankl

My daily assignment. For the last year or so. Staying in that space. And even though nothing's changed in my life, my whole life has changed. As a co-worker recently asked: Wouldn't I rather be somewhere else? I responded that I can only be here and now until I get to the next here and now. Not only just getting myself through the day this way. No, I deliberately choose what I want to be a part of. Whatever presents itself to me in any given moment, I choose to observe now, for the majority of the time, responding at other times. Not just instantly reacting. Remembering how I used to get reeled in by people's interpretation of the moment (or event). Sucking me into fighting the proverbial windmills. Leaving me drained at the end of the day. Too exhausted to enjoy the moments given to me to enjoy. Becoming resentful towards everything and everyone. Including myself. So I stay in that space as much as I can. And if I get bowled over by the moment, as I still do at times, I'll ride it out with cookie in hand.