Like most people, any one area of my life could be considered a full-time job. I'm the President of a company that helps people archive memories and document personal legacies. I am also a wife and mother of two young daughters. In addition, I'm a civic-minded citizen, active school parent, and supportive friend. I enjoy all of those roles but I make a conscious effort to create space in my life and enjoy the journey. Years ago, it wasn't until I realized how fleeting life is that I vowed to relish every minute of it.

The loss I've experienced in my life has made me acutely aware of the gift of each day. During my freshman year in college, my father was diagnosed with cancer. Proud and wanting me to graduate, my father and I would write back and forth to each other as I completed my studies. By sheer force of will, he boarded a plane to come see me graduate. It was one of the last things he did; one month later he died. What I didn't realize as a naive 18 year old entering college for the first time was how incredibly fleeting life really is.

Realizing the preciousness of life so many years ago, I vowed to live life mindfully. I feel glad to be alive and every day try to do the following which has helped me along my journey. I hope these tips will help you too:

Top Three Tips for Living In The Moment

1. First say Thank You - My first thoughts and the first words out of my mouth in the morning are thank you. I Thank God for waking me up and for sending me on my way whole in mind, body and spirit. Thank whomever or whatever your source is; your own Deity, Mother Earth, the Universe or Nature. Expressing gratitude helps us live in the moment and opens the way for further blessings.

2. The Power of Breath and Silence - Silence is the best tool for immediately connecting us to our spirits. In the midst of turmoil, confusion or anger if we immediately become silent and breathe, a space is created for healing. It's not always easy but if we try, we become soothed and can act from a place of love.

3. Notice the small things - Sometimes life can seem so pressing but when we live mindfully, it puts everything in perspective and priority. To notice the small things means we have to slow down, try to do one thing at a time, and stay present. When we do, it's easier to feel grateful instead of overwhelmed and really live the blessing that's today.

I have found these tips to be invaluable in leading me down a road to greater peace, tranquility and joy. I am still guilty of impatience, perfectionist tendencies and discomfort on the slope of any learning curve. But while I work on those things, I try to fully participate in my life mindfully. I enjoy the warmth of a shared sunset, holding the puffy center of my child's small hand and diving into the deep well of my inner joy.

Your to do list won't go away and the hectic pace of modern life won't dissipate. It's up to us to create space in each moment so we can notice the details that give our lives true meaning. The alternative is that life will joylessly pass us by. To create your own inner tranquility despite what's going on around you, slow down, stay in the moment and vow to live in the present that is today.