Do you live for today for what may have happened yesterday or last week? Too often people complain about what may have happened yesterday or last week, and sometimes complain about what may happen tomorrow or next month!
Why would someone complain and focus on what may have already happened or worse yet for what may happen? The answer is not a simple one and perhaps there is no answer that will satisfy one much less many. Instead of focusing on what has happened or what may happen why not learn to appreciate the time you presently have. Stop complaining or worrying for you may be truly missing out on the wonders around you.
You may be missing the smile on your child’s face, when tied his shoes all by himself. Or the smile on your daughter’s face when she has read a book all on her own. Or how about the look on your child’s face when they are wondering why you are sad or pre-occupied with something you have no control over. While you sit and ponder over your problems, your children are growing up, your loved ones are moving away, your bodies are ever changing and you are missing out on the most valuable moments of your lives. In essence, YOU are missing out!
My mom always said, you only live once, so let’s make every minute count. Too often people take their lives for granted. You may never know what will happen tomorrow, so why use up your precious time worrying over it. Live each day as if it were your last and if you should awaken the next morning, do it again.
Life is way too short, and it is evident from how quickly your children grow. Enjoy them while you can, every smile, every frown, every giggle and every tear. Focus on today and you will live your life with less stress and sorrow. When you live in the present you push away the fear of the unknown. Fear usually comes when you struggle to determine how you will pay your bills or feed your children, or _______________ (fill in the blank). To fight this fear, focus on the present.
This year you have the ability to start fresh. In fact, you have the ability to start fresh each and every day. While many are making resolutions that they will more than likely break in a matter of weeks, focus on today and how you would like your tomorrow and next month to look.
- Determine your goals, not pie in the sky dreams, but truly attainable goals
- Write them out in a planner, or wall calendar or in a place that you will see them daily
- Be sure to mark the date each goal is accomplished
- Most importantly celebrate each and every achievement
Stop worrying about yesterday and focus on living your today!
Dr. Daisy Sutherland is the Founder/CEO of Dr. Mommy Online. She is a doctor, author, radio personality, speaker, wife & mom to 5 children. Dr. Mommy's mission is to ~ Inspire, Motivate & Encourage you to be the best you can be by sharing her 'Get Real' approach to health and wellness.
I was just pondering this subject yesterday. As I considered some of a few events of 2011 and the layover effects of a professional experience 5 years ago, I decided it was time to let it go once and for all..no regrets holding me back, no fear to imprison me…just freedom for new beginnings. I can’t say it is easy but I do know that my dream is worth it! Thank you!
Yay!! Remember attaining great things in life may not be easy but so worth it!!:)
The way I like to look at it is that God is only in the “now”. He is the I AM, not the I WAS or I WILL BE. But I sorely need to be reminded of this on a regular basis!! So thanks for the great reminder!!
Amen!! Love it!! Have a great day:)
We have to be present in the moment. We are all guilty of dwelling in the past or stressed about whats to come that it robs us of our present. Luckily we have right now to start. Thanks for sharing
Great advice, as usual! There’s nothing like steady progress toward our aspirations to make worry reveal itself as a tremendous waste of time.
Living in the here and now is important. What’s done, is done and what is to come, well, it’s in the future. Right now, I’m enjoying the sunshine that’s warming my desk and my hands as I type this comment. Here’s to living in the moment! Thanks for sharing!
Great post Dr. Daisy. Today counts and living for today for a better tomorrow sings big to me. Thanks for sharing and yesterday will never return, but is HIStory!
I’ve been making it a priority for 2012 to stop rushing and enjoying the little things with my boys. At 12 1/2, 10 & 8, they are growing up so fast. I want to “be” there with them and enjoy them, seeing things through their eyes.
These times are so precious! Thanks for the reminder.
Great article! It is best to live in the moment. No one can change what has happened and worrying about tomorrow isn’t good either! I believe in planning for the future, having goals and making the best of each and every day!
I’ve def been guilty in the past of worrying way too much and not living in the moment. I’m happy to say I’ve changed that as of late and so loving the new way of living.
Yes!! It’s essential to think of today…focus on today and not worry about what may have already happened. It is important to learn from the past but not stay in the past…congrats to you!!
Daisy, I appreciate your articles so much! Great insight, thought provoking. Certainly not left with the impression of “what the heck was she trying to say!” Straight to the point. I like that. Life is way too short, you’re right. Time to enjoy the small things… x0x
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Ahhh Dr. Daisy, what a beautiful sunrise (sunrise). I make sure I welcome the sun each morning as it peeks over the horizon! I also smile and acknowledge the moon. and lately the full and brightness is stunning! Thank you for reminding us to live in the moment! P
I love this! When I am in the middle of referring my 3 and 7 year old, I try to stop and think that I will miss it one day. We should all make each day count. The worrying will only make it worse.
Ah yes!! That is so true…as much as my kiddos may drive me crazy at times, I certainly cherish those wacky days…because they grow so quick..and soon enough the house will be quiet with me longing for noise:)
Such great advice as always Dr Daisy! I am trying to set limits and goals for myself > Having a plan of action is what it’s all about.
This is such an important point that we all take for granted. Less time worrying and more time enjoying!
Goals are the key to motivation!
It’s so important to use your goals to keep balance in your life. Remembering that your goals should be professional and personal is a great way to achieve balance in your life. This is a great reminder on what should be important in our lives, regardless of everything else that goes on in our businesses.
Thanks for sharing,
AJ
Great post, as always.
One of the most effective things I do for goal achievement is to write my goals down. If I don’t do that, then they are just dreams to me. Keeping a goal notebook is key! Thanks for reminding us all that writing our goals down is essential. 
So very true! Thanks for all the reminders. It’s easy to get stuck in looking back.
I agree with you Dr. Daisy that we should live for today. All we can do is learn from our past and hope for the future. We should not let the sadness of what had happened and the fear of what my happen affect the happiness of today.
Wonderful post Dr Daisy! This is the journey I have been on for the last 18 months and I have to say it has made a huge difference. My intentions for this year are to have more fun and joy in my life and to be able to appreciate and have fun with my 6 year old! We had a sad reminder recently that life is too short to die with your dreams left inside and I for one intend on living mine…
Amen Andrea!!
A GREAT reminder…if we live in the past or the future we’re totally skipping today. Not only can we easily miss the blessing right in front of us but if there IS something difficult we’ll respond irrationally instead of seeing it for ‘just’ what it is today. A rear-view or future-view isn’t helpful to us in the present. Thanks so much for the reminder!
Great post Dr. Mommy! I love the point about celebrate each an every achievement ~ this is so important. Have a wonderful day!
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So excited by the possibiliteis of this year, but so grateful for the moment of right now. As always Dr. Daisy, wonderful, thoughtful post on a very important topic. Have a great day!
I’m such a visual person, so I still keep a planner that I write in daily. I have my goals for 2012 and they are broken down into monthly, weekly, and daily action steps. These action steps help me to stay on target and know that my BIG goals are achievable, if I’m working toward them daily. Plus, this means that I get to CELEBRATE once my weekly steps are complete!
That’s excellent! It’s exactly how my new Health Journal is laid out. The road to a healthier lifestyle in 52 weeks…love celebrating daily achievements!:)
This was a great post, Dr. Daisy! We miss out on life when we are not in the present moment. It takes practice being present but the rewards are great. Thank you!
Such great advice Dr. Daisy. You can’t live in the past – it’s gone – but you can allow the past to steal the joy and possibility of the present. Learn from the past, live in the present, and set goals that stretch you but are realistic enough to inspire you. Thanks for such an inspiring post!
Great tips and a great reminder to all of us that we can start fresh every day! Thanks Dr. Daisy.
So easy to forget, but so very important to remember! I tend to worry about accomplishing what needs to be done. I do much better at my goals when the are written down! Nothing like crossing something off a list!