Let’s face it – each of us only get one life to live and so if there is anything we should have learned – especially those of us now labeled “old geezers” is that it is important that we not waste it. And how do we do that, you ask? Well, for one thing – doing whatever is necessary to make each day enjoyable so that we look forward with a positive feeling about the next day is a good place to start.
I can already hear the response many of you are thinking about – “Well, how are we to do that?” First and foremost is to wake up with the right mindset. Secondly would be to accept where you are at this point in your life, meaning have an attitude of gratitude about it. Third would be to “pay it forward”. How many of you have seen the 2000 movie entitled: “Pay it Forward?” Having been given an assignment by his social studies teacher to think of an idea to change the world for the better and then put it into action, the student creates a plan for “paying forward” favors. Subsequently this plan not only affects the life of his struggling single mother, but he sets in motion an unprecedented wave of human kindness which, unbeknownst to him, has blossomed into a profound national phenomenon.
Just think how the world would be if we all woke up with that same strategy? My guess is that were we to look at each day in such a fashion, we would all be looking forward to each day, no question.
One of the first things we should remember is that this day only happens once and the reason I say that is – once we recognize this important fact – it should serve as a reminder that we should make the most of this day, be as positive as we can because it will never come around again. Think about it – when today is the only day you have to deal with and the fact that it is never going to occur again, well, what better opportunity to make it the best day ever. Don’t think about what happened yesterday or what might or might not happen tomorrow. Just think about today and what you are going to do.
Remember that this day only happens once. Though it's a pretty basic idea, actually realizing it can help remind you to make the most of this day, and to be as positive as possible. How good is today going to be? How will you remember it? Will it be another tally under the "Good Days" column?
• It also helps you separate out the days, eliminating stress that carries over from one day to the next. When today is the only day you're dealing with and it's never going to occur again, it helps you live like each day is a separate life.[1]