topic Re: Focusing on One Day at Time in Community Chat

Focusing on One Day at Time

Mom2twocuties — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 12:02:47 GMT

As I've gotten older and from life circumstances I have found out that this saying and thought is the only way to go! Sometimes it's VERY hard! But when you do have the mind set it is somewhat freeing( helps with anxiety, as per my thread from the other day). Here's to a blessed DAY.

Re: Focusing on One Day at Time

brii — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 12:27:35 GMT

It's important to be mindful and positive every day.

Re: Focusing on One Day at Time

JustJules — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 12:59:38 GMT

Always a good reminder. When some people lead such busy lives it's easy to forget and become overwhelmed by things that, in the big scheme, perhaps don't matter so much. It's important to have plans and goals for the future in order to stay focused on having the best life possible, but I think the key is keeping things in a proper perspective.

Re: Focusing on One Day at Time

dooBdoo — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 13:15:13 GMT

mom2twocuties, I remember a year or so ago when you wrote so poignantly about missing your mom over the holidays. You have a good heart and a sweet spirit. Thanks for this reminder to us all. Sometimes I find I need to take one hour at a time, even a minute at a time. I often recommend a very practical, down-to-earth Dale Carnegie book (How to Stop Worrying and Start Living) because along with the Carnegie classes it was so helpful to me.

One of the book's principles is:
"Live in 'day-tight compartments.' Don't stew about the futures. Just live each day until bedtime."

It really does help.

Re: Focusing on One Day at Time

AnikaBrodie — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 13:19:27 GMT

Re: Focusing on One Day at Time

Mom2twocuties — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 13:52:24 GMT

dooBdoo. Yes that was me, and since then my father has passed away and my sister was diagnosed with cancer. ( you can see where this is all coming from). Thank for your kind words. Yes, that book- my husband has read it and I actually did start to read it. It's been awhile.

Re: Focusing on One Day at Time

dooBdoo — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 14:07:35 GMT

On 3/18/2015 mom2twocuties said: dooBdoo. Yes that was me, and since then my father has passed away and my sister was diagnosed with cancer. ( you can see where this is all coming from). Thank for your kind words. Yes, that book- my husband has read it and I actually did start to read it. It's been awhile.

Oh, sweetie, I didn't know about your father and sister. Yes, I do see where it's coming from. A very tender place. That particular book, and the classes, came at a time in my life when I really needed strength and needed practical steps to find some semblance of hope and progress out of darkness. Carnegie was a man of faith and also had so much wisdom, and I think that's why his classes and books have survived the test of time. I find myself re-reading that book, and few others, because for me it's a good reminder.

I do wish you well. Take good care of yourself.

Re: Focusing on One Day at Time

hckynut — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 15:06:36 GMT

I learned many decades ago that I cannot change the past nor predict the future. However, what I can do is live in the moment and make that time as good or as bad as I choose, regardless of the circumstances.

Much to the dismay of my late mother, my favorite saying since I was a teen was/is:

"Man was born to live, not to prepare for life".

and that is the way I lived and live my life.

Re: Focusing on One Day at Time

qvcaddition — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 15:23:11 GMT

This thread has helped me this morning, because I am in a very sorrowful place and can,t do anything about it, so need to live for today. Thank you.

Re: Focusing on One Day at Time

Still Raining — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 15:46:44 GMT

This is indeed a lifeline sometimes. Here is the expanded version from Al Anon. It helps me to have more detailed instructions.

Just for today, I will try to live through this day only,
and not tackle my whole life problem
at once. I can do something for twelve hours
that would appall me if I felt that I had to
keep it up for a lifetime.

Just for today, I will be happy. This assumes to
be true what Abraham Lincoln said, that
"most folks are as happy as they make up
their minds to be."

Just for today, I will try to strengthen my mind.
I will study. I will learn something useful.
I will not be a mental loafer. I will read
something that requires effort, thought and
concentration.

Just for today, I will adjust myself to what is,
and not try to adjust everything to my own
desires. I will take my "luck" as it comes,
and fit myself to it.

Just for today, I will exercise my soul in three
ways: I will do somebody a good turn, and
not get found out. I will do at least two
things I don't want to--just for exercise.
I will not show anyone that my feelings are
hurt; they may be hurt, but today I will not
show it

Just for today, I will be agreeable. I will look
as well as I can, dress becomingly, talk low,
act courteously, criticize not one bit, not
find fault with anything and not try to improve
or regulate anybody except myself.

Just for today, I will have a program. I may not
follow it exactly, but I will have it. I will
save myself from two pests: hurry and indecision.

Just for today, I will have a quiet half hour all
by myself, and relax. During this half hour,
sometime, I will try to get a better perspective
of my life.

Just for today, I will be unafraid. Especially I
will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful,
and to believe that as I give to the world, so
the world will give to me.

-Kenneth L. Holmes

Re: Focusing on One Day at Time

ROMARY — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 15:50:43 GMT

My DD used to always tell us to not overly think about the past or overly worry about the future. Just focus on today, keep on going on each day. Makes sense.

Re: Focusing on One Day at Time

Free2be — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 16:01:38 GMT

One day at a time is good but even better is living in the present moment.

From Eckhart Tolle:

Most humans are never fully present in the now, because unconsciously they believe that the next moment must be more important than this one. But then you miss your whole life, which is never not now.

Re: Focusing on One Day at Time

Cakers1 — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 16:35:23 GMT

momto2cuties: It can be difficult with a busy life but even people without that can find it hard to live mindfully and in the moment.

I could list 100 books for you but if you can try to seek out a workshop or program for yourself if you have the time - reading is wonderful but linking it to actual experience with others will keep you on track.

However, I will recommend two for you:

Wherever You Go, There You Are - Jon Kabat-Zinn (outstanding person)

Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water - Brian Luke Seaward (leader in the field of stress reduction-another wonderful person)

Anything by Thich Nhat Hanh

Re: Focusing on One Day at Time

blackhole99 — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 16:36:39 GMT

It' no doubt a handicap for me, but I'm a semantic freak and it effects the way I view things. So when some one says have a blessed day, if some one does not, then does that mean they are not blessed? I prefer, have a nice day.

Re: Focusing on One Day at Time

Mominohio — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 20:08:54 GMT

On 3/18/2015 JustJules said:
Always a good reminder. When some people lead such busy lives it's easy to forget and become overwhelmed by things that, in the big scheme, perhaps don't matter so much. It's important to have plans and goals for the future in order to stay focused on having the best life possible, but I think the key is keeping things in a proper perspective.

Yes! I feel when it comes to the hard things in life, one day at a time will get you through it. And slowing down enough each day to embrace and savor the good things is important.

But I also feel that we have to look ahead with plans, goals, and desires, as it also will keep us going through the rough times, if we have something in the future to look forward to.

I guess it is one of those sayings to incorporate, but not live by completely, or we'd miss the wonder of dreaming, and planning. What is it they say, it's not about the destination, it's about the getting there.

Re: Focusing on One Day at Time

JustJules — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 20:23:06 GMT

On 3/18/2015 mominohio said:
On 3/18/2015 JustJules said:
Always a good reminder. When some people lead such busy lives it's easy to forget and become overwhelmed by things that, in the big scheme, perhaps don't matter so much. It's important to have plans and goals for the future in order to stay focused on having the best life possible, but I think the key is keeping things in a proper perspective.

Yes! I feel when it comes to the hard things in life, one day at a time will get you through it. And slowing down enough each day to embrace and savor the good things is important.

But I also feel that we have to look ahead with plans, goals, and desires, as it also will keep us going through the rough times, if we have something in the future to look forward to.

I guess it is one of those sayings to incorporate, but not live by completely, or we'd miss the wonder of dreaming, and planning. What is it they say, it's not about the destination, it's about the getting there.

Very well said!

Re: Focusing on One Day at Time

raven-blackbird — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 20:28:01 GMT

I've always been a fan of..............and this too shall pass.............................raven

Re: Focusing on One Day at Time

dooBdoo — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 21:31:33 GMT

On 3/18/2015 Cakers1 said:
momto2cuties: It can be difficult with a busy life but even people without that can find it hard to live mindfully and in the moment.

I could list 100 books for you but if you can try to seek out a workshop or program for yourself if you have the time - reading is wonderful but linking it to actual experience with others will keep you on track.

However, I will recommend two for you:

Wherever You Go, There You Are - Jon Kabat-Zinn (outstanding person)

Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water - Brian Luke Seaward (leader in the field of stress reduction-another wonderful person)

Anything by Thich Nhat Hanh

Cakers, I agree that the chance to join a workshop, program, or group can be much more beneficial than a book. In fact, sometimes in the deepest depression I've learned I can't read or concentrate.

Thanks for those recommendations. I've heard of the first, but not the others, haven't read any of them.

Nice, thoughtful contributions from everyone.

Re: Focusing on One Day at Time

AngelPuppy1 — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 10:34:23 GMT

All of this is very true and very good to keep in mind. Something else that really helps me at times when I get overwhelmed and overcome by dealing with difficult people and difficult situations -- this doesn't always do it --- but does seem to give me a little clarity and calmness at times ---

You can't control people or change them. But you can control the way you react to them.

Just trying to remember this, does make me feel as if I have some control over things. It's hard to react well to very bad situations and when you are dealing with people who seem intent on wrecking your peace and happiness. But if you control your own reactions, you can many times diffuse the situation or refuse to let it take complete control of you.

Re: Focusing on One Day at Time

Winkk — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 15:14:00 GMT

I agree with taking one day at a time. When I was working it was rushing from one thing to another without any time to just sit. Now that I'm retired I am busy but I have time to relish each day and appreciate what I have. Living in the day is good plus planning for the future is good and fun.