I’ve heard the “One day at a time” phrase until it’s so worn down it’s easily ignored.
Abraham Lincoln’s take on the “One day” adage made me stop and think. All those days? They add up to the future. Yep, that’s true.
But I can only take ’em — I can only live them — one at a time.
The times I get tripped up by worry and fear? When I’ve grabbed fistfuls of those days-in-the-future and tried to answer all the what-ifs.
There’s no doing that.
And if I stop long enough, and think like honest Abe, I’d realize the best thing about the future is the singleness of its approach.
One day at a time.
The only thing I can do about tomorrow? The things I am doing today. The choices I am making today.
In Your Words: When you read or hear the word “future,” how do you feel? Do you think, “Bring it on! I can’t wait to run and meet what’s ’round the bend!” Or do you dread tomorrow — or the slew of tomorrows you’re imagining? How do your prepare for the future?
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Comments 7
The only thing I know about tomorrow is that it’s going to hurt worse than today.
And I don’t care.
Because when tomorrow passes into yesterday, I will still be standing.
Author
You are a brave man who perseveres, Andrew. One day at a time — that day being today.
Trying not to race toward the future, or dread it. There’s an art to living in the present, isn’t there, Beth? But it seems to be where peace is found–living in–taking in the moment. Being present. So much noise. So many distractions in today’s world–many electronic. 😉 Making time to get outdoors, having some quiet time helps me.
Author
Oh, Anne, there is an art to living in the present.
And yes, getting outside makes a difference.
Most mornings I walk with a close friend, Mary. She lives close geographically (one street over from me) and she is close, heart-to-heart. And our walks help me stay present to the day ahead.
The only thing I can do about tomorrow? The things I am doing today.
Loved that Beth! I think I need to print those two lines out and past them a couple places in my house:) Simple reminder that I need to see often.
Author
Susan:
You sound like me. 😉 I’m betting you have words, words, words all over your house, don’t you?
My days are so full (like everyone else’s) that I’m calmest when I keep my head where my feet are planted. One day at a time is the perfect slogan. Come to think of it, maybe I need that tattooed on my feet.