On This Day
Anybody got a pair of mental blinders I could use?
I need something that will help me stay in the here and now.
Not thinking about yesterday.
Not worrying about tomorrow.
Mental time traveling is a waste of time.
I want to focus on this day and live it to the fullest.
I know that. I've written about it. I've talked about it. I've lectured my kids about it.
Doing it - yeah, not as easy.
That's why I thought those blinders might help.
Darn it.
I just searched the internet, and they don't actually exist,
Can someone get on that please?
In the meantime, what can I do when my mind starts time-traveling?
In addition to wearing my invisible straight jacket, I will start repeating the words "On This Day" when I feel myself traveling back in time with regret and sorrow or into the future with worry and fear.
I might sound kind of Shakespearean and fancy if I say "On This Day"- people might think I'm rehearsing for a play or something.
I think "On This Day" is better than screaming "Knock It Off," which might scare people a bit.
Once that shakes me back into the here and now, I will remember the scriptures below and let the holy wisdom remind me of what I know - right now is all I can do anything about.
Come to think of it, sometimes I can't even do anything about this day, even when I focus on it.
In those moments, I will regulate and return to the arms of God - open and ready to soothe my worried mind and give me peace to do what I can and release what I can't.
Psalm 118:24 says, "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."
On this day, I think I might just do that and cancel all travel plans immediately.
Isaiah 43:18
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
Matthew 6:34
Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 11: 28-30
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.