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January 6, 2020

Learning to Live in the Present

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Sydne Style wears elliatt orange dress for bright high neck dresses

Congrats to @jordantroublefield for winning a $100 @nordstrom gift card & a $100 donation to Mission of Grace. See the latest giveaways here.

 

May I learn to live in the present

I’m always looking for what’s next. It’s something I’ve struggled with my whole life. The minute a project ends, I start thinking how I can top it. The minute I’m happy in a relationship, I think about the next stage. I become so anxious about the future, that I fail to enjoy the present. At the same time, I harp over the past. I think about what I could have done differently to achieve more favorable results. I think about if I only I had made a different decision, things might have been better. Worrying about the past also results in a failure to enjoy my current life. So when I read this quote a couple of months ago it really spoke to me:

 

“If you are depressed you are living in the past.
If you are anxious you are living in the future.
If you are at peace you are living in the present.”
― Lao Tzu

In 2020, I really want to practice learning to live in the present. I’ve been working on it for a few months but, like most things in life, it takes practice. One thing that has helped me is recognizing my thought patterns. The minute I start feeling anxious about the present or troubled about the past I try to stop the cycle in my head. I ask myself, “is this something you can change now?” If there is nothing I can do at the present moment, I try to let the thought go to rest in my brain and return back to the present. Again, it’s a practice. My hope is the more I keep doing it, the more I’m able to be present in life.

My job also makes it difficult to be present. As much as I love sharing each and every moment with you, it sometimes takes a toll. I forget to actually enjoy what I’m doing. I have trouble focusing on conversations because my eyes are wandering for beautiful backdrops. And I’m constantly thinking about what I’m going to post next, whether it’s during “working hours” or on vacation.

Last year, I really tried to be more present. I would take photos and videos then put my phone away and post later. But I definitely want to learn new tools this year. So if you have any tips that have worked for you in terms of learning to live in the present, please do share!

“Happiness, not in another place,
but this place
not for another hour,
but for this hour.”
—Walt Whitman

Sydne Style wears elliatt orange dress with sheer bow

PHOTOS BY MUNOPIA · GLAM BY IAN MAXION · DRESS: Elliatt · Earrings: Anthropologie

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Leave a Comment

27 Comments

  1. Jordan Perkins commented:

    Celeb dupe looks for less!
    @jordantroublefield

    This is your POWER color!!!!

    Published 1.6.20 Reply
    • Brandy Cardenas commented:

      Loved everything about this! I love seeing fashion and hair inspo!
      @brandys.life

      Published 1.7.20 Reply
    • Sydne commented:

      Aw thanks! Loved this color!

      Published 1.8.20 Reply
  2. Dana commented:

    I would love to know your favorite hair products! And hair tools. Also content about everything shoes! Happy new year!
    Instagram handle is @DanaL115

    Published 1.6.20 Reply
    • Sydne commented:

      Thanks for the input Dana!

      Published 1.8.20 Reply
  3. Rita Douglas commented:

    https://www.instagram.com/ritadouglas1968/
    @ritadouglas1968
    Love your site, and advice, and photos and creativity!
    Have u covered how we all need to have a mental health day, and maybe a photoshoot of how that would look? No fancy dress, just casual comfy clothes, curled up with a cup of tea, good book, dog/cat by your side, or a nice cozy fire, and phone unplugged /off. Ahhh, silence is golden. ❤️📚☕️ 🐈🌻🌞🌈☀️

    Published 1.6.20 Reply
    • Sydne commented:

      Thanks Rita! I’ve touched a little on this but great idea, will def think on it!

      Published 1.8.20 Reply
  4. Loris Ayoub commented:

    I love this post and it actually need it to read it right now.
    I love your content, normally I like your outfit ideas, an idea for content for 2020 could be more Posts like this, about self care, self love, inner peace, inner growth, etc.
    My instagram is ale_hun

    Published 1.6.20 Reply
    • Sydne commented:

      Thanks Loris! Great ideas!

      Published 1.8.20 Reply
  5. Jessica López commented:

    Love your positive messages on your fashion page I’d love to see more of this in 2020 and maybe styles for new moms! Thanks!

    Published 1.7.20 Reply
    • Sydne commented:

      Thanks for the input Jessica!

      Published 1.8.20 Reply
  6. Renee commented:

    I think being on social media so much can cause all kinds of depression issues, I’m so sorry you are struggling but that takes courage to share! Putting your phone down can help a lot. I also really like inspirational quotes and maybe you can add a section or incorporate more to your page! At one point I started collecting a bunch when I was using Pinterest and was going to make something with them but never did!
    I saw someone already wrote my original idea, I was going to say you should add something about hair. There are so many trends with colors and styles so it can be really fun!
    IG @PinkGlitz_84

    Published 1.7.20 Reply
    • Sydne commented:

      That’s a great idea, thanks Renee! Yes, social media definitely has ups and downs. I collect a lot on Pinterest too, great idea to include more here.
      Thanks for all the ideas!

      Published 1.8.20 Reply
  7. Claire Frimming commented:

    2020 is going to be even better! Just reconnecting with the family and doing more things for memories. I also want to donate more of my time to organizations to make a difference!

    Published 1.7.20 Reply
    • Sydne commented:

      Love that Claire!

      Published 1.8.20 Reply
  8. Kim H commented:

    Love that color!!
    I would love to see content about reducing our carbon footprint and sustainability.
    @skyejaden

    Published 1.7.20 Reply
    • Sydne commented:

      So important right now!

      Published 1.8.20 Reply
  9. Nicolthepickle (Nicole Graham) commented:

    The orange is beautiful. I’d love to see some cute, every day wear dresses. They’re not so easy to find, long enough to be comfortable, short enough to be stylish.
    @nicolthe_pickle

    Published 1.7.20 Reply
    • Sydne commented:

      Great ideas thank you!

      Published 1.8.20 Reply
  10. Jennifer Davis commented:

    I’d love to see plus size versions of your clothing, of where to buy. Everything is so beautiful. @abbynaverysmom

    Published 1.7.20 Reply
    • Sydne commented:

      Thanks Jennifer!

      Published 1.8.20 Reply
  11. Sandy Weinstein commented:

    what a lovely color on you. not everyone can carry this color. you just need a beautiful sunset to match. looking forward for more anti aging skin care and cosmetic options to help with aging skin, staying in shape as age. @eview1

    Published 1.7.20 Reply
    • Sydne commented:

      Thanks Sandy!

      Published 1.8.20 Reply
  12. Cynthia Richardson commented:

    I’d like to see posts about styling high-end with low-end items.
    @hofken

    Published 1.8.20 Reply
    • Sydne commented:

      Great idea!

      Published 1.8.20 Reply
  13. Shelley commented:

    I love your YouTube videos where you show different ways to style an item! Would love to see more of those in 2020. 🙂 IG: @shelleytibbetts

    Published 1.8.20 Reply
    • Sydne commented:

      Will def be doing more of those!

      Published 1.8.20 Reply

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