Living in the now has always been a sound, if elusive, philosophy.

Staying in the moment doesn't require years of meditation or therapy, however. What is required is an intense desire to get the most out of our days and to get really good at pulling ourselves back when we start to fall into our self-made pits.

Most of us are dwelling either on the pain of the past or the fear of the future.

If your thoughts run in these directions only occasionally, that's fine. Emotional problems occur when we let our minds wander in despair on a regular basis.

When you constantly worry about losing what you have or not getting what you want, it prevents you from enjoying even the simplest of pleasures.

Not being able to relish the beauty of a sunset or have your heart warmed by the smile on a child's face is no way to go through life. If this sounds like something you do, be proactive and start finding ways to appreciate whatever you have — no matter how dire your circumstances.

There are hundreds of books about living in the moment, and at least an equal number of songs and poems. Perhaps this idea inspires writers simply because it is so difficult for us, as human beings, to achieve.

Animals, on the other hand, are able to adjust to the natural flow of their lives. Even in the midst of tragedy, most are able to get along just fine.

We have all noticed how a dog or a cat with a missing limb seems to go on as if nothing had changed. If only we could be as accepting of our own circumstances.

If you dislike your life right now or how you are feeling, you probably, somewhere deep inside yourself, have the power to change it.

Start by looking at how you'd like your life to be. If you lack the strength to imagine that right now, just look for the willingness to look.

Even if daily living seems chaotic, and you can't seem to catch a break or a breath, you should take at least one moment out of your day to value your existence. Just smile at the irony or sigh at its wonder. That moment will help you make it through to the next day, and if you string enough of these moments together, you will begin to feel good about your life.

— Barton Goldsmith, marriage and family therapist, can be reached at 818-879-9996 or via e-mail at Barton@BartonGoldsmith.com. He has lived and practiced in Westlake Village for over a decade. Hear him live on KCLU Radio, 88.3 FM, from 1 to 2 p.m. Mondays.