Practicing the Present

I can still see my father moving his lips without words to hear.  I would look over and say to him "Earth to dad."  He explained to me later that he was thinking about a math problem or some other type of work issue.  Two nights ago, my youngest daughter caught me talking to myself in her presence.  The key word "presence"  I was with her physically, but emotionally thinking of work.

So what does it take to be present in the moment you are in?  Obviously, this is a work in progress, but this has helped me:
1) Trusting that where I am at this very moment is where I need to be right now.  In other words, let go of what has occurred in the past and focus on what you can create now.
2) The people you are with deserve you being with them in that moment.
3) If you are alone, practice observation.  What do you see? What do you hear? How does it feel?
4) Challenge that voice in your head that is screaming for your attention.
5) Imagine yourself enjoying each moment when you are alone.

Life is made up of the moments.