The text read, “I’m excited to see you. I hope you’re excited, too!”.

Truth be told, I wasn’t excited. I was caught somewhere between anxiety and dread.

Over the last few weeks, life had gotten increasingly hectic – I was juggling 3 part-time jobs, preparing to close on a new house and downsize from our 3-story home to a 1 bedroom apartment, jumping headfirst into the landlord space complete with permits, contracts, and negotiations, and doing a poor job of carving out time and space to take care of myself. I was exhausted. And stressed.

Having just returned from a 4-day trip to Colorado (gorgeous CO skyline pictured above!), the idea of spending another 6 days away was overwhelming.

But, the text, sent from my dear friend and trusted advisor, April, helped to put things in perspective.

Everything I’m doing right now is in progress to create more freedom and ease in my life. Currently, it’s creating anything but. Fortunately, getting back to that space is just a simple shift away.

Here’s what I’m doing NOW to drop the stress and appreciate the present.

1. Aligning with my Core Desired Feelings

One of the key components of Danielle LaPorte’s core desired feelings is to act in ways that create your CDFs every day. While the actions I’m taking now are setting me up to feel the way I want to feel down the road, I haven’t been doing enough to feel those feelings now. Well it’s time to fix that.

To feel freedom now, I will fully embrace all aspects of travel – sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and culture.

To feel connection now, I’ll spend less time on my phone and more time connecting with actual people this week.

To feel accomplished now, I’ll identify the minimum tasks that need to keep my life and work running smoothly while I’m away and I’ll just do that.

To feel ease and grace now, I’ll be conscious of smiling more often than not and I’ll drop the guilt I’m carrying around for feeling like I can’t manage it all, because I totally can, I just need to shift my perspective.

To feel innovative now, I’ll plan ahead to maximize my schedule and better manage my time when I return home next week.

2. Setting Non-Negotiable Time

One of the first things to go out the window when things get hectic is self-care, but I know I can’t be my best self without nurturing my mind and body along the way.

Starting today, I’ll set aside non-negotiable time for exercise (in whatever form it takes), inspirational reading (I’m currently immersed in Playing Big by Tara Mohr), daily affirmations, and fueling up with my favorite superfood-packed smoothie. No excuses.

3. Committing to a Meditation practice

I have been so caught up in the grind that I was starting to feel like I’d lost a connection to myself. So, yesterday I signed up for Oprah & Deepak Chopra’s newest 21-day meditation challenge, which is a foray into daily desire and manifesting. Day 1 brought tears to my eyes, as I felt an instant connection to something that had been missing for weeks. You can join the challenge here.

4. Giving Thanks

Even though my husband and I share an evening gratitude practice, it’s so easy to lose sight of how fortunate I am when I’m flipping from task to task during the day. Through November, I’ll share 5 things I’m grateful for everyday on my Facebook page – follow along and share your own gratitude list using #gratefulnow.

What will you do to drop the stress and appreciate the present more fully? Leave your thoughts in the comments.