183: Embrace The Moment ... There Is No "Future"

183: Embrace The Moment ... There Is No "Future"

From Single Mom MD by Dr. Gail Clifford, MD, MMM, CPE, FACP, FHM

April 30, 2026 · 5 min · Season 4 · Episode 183

About this episode

Dr. Gail Clifford discusses the importance of living in the present moment and the pitfalls of constantly worrying about the future.

What if the future you’re worrying about… doesn’t actually exist? In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Gail Clifford challenges one of the most deeply ingrained habits among high-achieving women: living everywhere except the present moment. Drawing from both philosophical ideas and real-life experience, she explores how constantly chasing the “next thing” robs us of the only time we truly have—right now. For busy physician moms and executive women juggling careers, family, and endless responsibilities, this episode is a powerful reminder: your life isn’t happening someday—it’s happening in this moment. Why the future and past may not exist in the way we think How over-focusing on “what’s next” creates stress, anxiety, and disconnection The hidden cost of always rushing toward the next milestone How to use your past without living in it Practical ways to anchor yourself in the present moment , even on your busiest days The only moment you truly have control over is this one Planning is necessary—but living only for the future is a trap Constant mental time travel leads to missed joy, missed connection, and burnout Presence isn’t passive—it’s a skill you can build intentionally…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Gail Clifford

Topics covered

  • mindfulness
  • present moment
  • stress management
  • high-achieving women
  • work-life balance
  • anxiety
  • self-awareness

Keywords

  • mindfulness
  • present
  • stress
  • anxiety
  • high-achieving women
  • work-life balance
  • self-awareness
  • mental health
  • burnout
  • joy

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