Many people find it difficult to accept their current reality and live in the present moment. This can make it hard for them to find true happiness. Some people are holding on to a different version of their lives, which can lead to feeling unfulfilled and unhappy. It could be because they are disappointed, have regrets, are in denial, or hope for something better. 

The first step is acknowledging that you may not be living in the present moment 

Acknowledge that many times we are so caught up in overthinking the past or worrying about the future that we miss out on the present moment. This is easier said than done, but once we make a conscious effort of acceptance, life can become tremendously more joyful and meaningful when truly living in the here and now.

Our society has become obsessed with technology, and constantly looking at our phones which only distracts us from what?s actually happening, making it harder to be mindful of all the beauty around us. It's important to take breaks from being plugged in, step away from technology and allow ourselves to partake in activities where mind also have time for themselves for self reflection and awareness. Doing so helps realize that sometimes living outside of the present moment is inevitable; however, awareness can help battle this feeling.

Why it's important to be aware of the here and the now 

Being aware of the here and the now is so important in life. Not only does it help us to appreciate what's happening right now, but it also helps us to create better plans for the future that reflect our current reality. If we get too fixated on where we want to be, we can often miss out on special moments as they happen. Instead, if we stay grounded in the present and purposeful about where we are going, we can make sure that each day counts, and that life isn't just a blur of yesterday and tomorrow without ever experiencing today.

It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but it's always important to make time for you. One way to tap into yourself is by taking a step back and observing your surroundings. Pause and take a deep breath while reflecting on what you see, hear, and even smell. Don?t shy away from emotions; be honest with yourself by allowing yourself to truly feel what it is that you're experiencing in that moment. This can be done anytime ? whether it be during the quiet morning commutes or those busy lunch hours ? so take those few moments each day for conscious introspection.

Learning to accept yourself and your life as it is today is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself. Even if your reality is less than ideal, it is better to live realistically and accept your life than to live in a fantasy that can never be true. 

If you are looking for ways to learn how to face what is real in your life and live in the here and now, here are six strategies to help you.

Accept yourself.

First, you have to acknowledge all parts of yourself, from the good to the bad. Self-acceptance is difficult because we never want to admit there are parts of us that need improvement.

?But, learning to love yourself unconditionally means you understand that all those aspects are necessary to form the person you are. You accept that others have flaws, so why not accept the same for yourself? Learning to accept all parts of yourself is an essential first step to facing reality. 

Be radically honest. 

To accept your reality completely, you must be radically honest, at least with yourself, about the role you have played in your current situation. Ask yourself some tough questions about your decisions and actions that led to this point. 

Where did your strengths serve you well, and in what areas do you have some lessons to learn? To move forward and make the best of your situation, you need to acknowledge your role in it and learn from any errors or mistakes that have led to your current struggles.

Work on owning all outcomes.

It?s easy to want to take credit when things go well in life, but it?s challenging to accept the failures. Owning all your outcomes means you accept that you have something to learn from every situation in life. Failure is simply a chance to try again, this time with more information. When you find yourself trying to remove yourself from failures in life, consider instead what the experience taught you. 

Inventory your strengths.

If you want to face reality, spend some time contemplating all the gifts you have that helped you succeed thus far in life. Make a list of all your strengths as well as the values and beliefs that guide your life. These should be the foundation for your goals and aspirations and return to these when you are feeling down about the here and now. This provides you with something positive in which to ground yourself to guide your work and attaining new dreams.

Release your fears. 

Reflect on what is truly scary in your reality, then make changes that help you release those fears. Unless it is something that can harm you physically, then it is time to stop fearing it and start making progress toward your dreams. Let go of irrational fears or unwarranted anxiety, and you can successfully embrace your reality. 

Accept that you are going to struggle.

Nothing good in life is achieved without hard work and a few steps backward. Get comfortable living with struggle, and you?ll soon see that the journey is just as important as the destination. When you have to work hard for something, it helps you appreciate it even more when you finally achieve your goal.

Attuning to the present is an excellent way to make your life more enjoyable. It not only brings about an appreciation for all of the good things in life, but it also makes us more aware of the simple pleasures that we often take for granted. 

Savouring these experiences helps us to find contentment and it can ultimately add value even to our most mundane moments. Practicing presence can help us connect on a deeper level with those around us, which leads to better relationships and a deeper appreciation of life in general. Despite how busy our lives may be, taking time out to enjoy the moment by discovering the beauty in simplicity can be incredibly rewarding and make life much sweeter.

Always keep in mind that you cannot create a new reality for yourself unless you acknowledge and embrace the reality of today.