Just For Today

Photo by author.

Whenever you read this story, remember that we made it past yesterday. Ponder for a moment those words.

And, when we wake up tomorrow, will we remember our first thought upon waking up today? Or while we were eating breakfast? How about when we grabbed our keys and walked out the door? Do we remember our thoughts as we started the car and backed out of the driveway?

Honestly, I didn't.

What came to mind in those moments were thoughts of things I had said or written to someone that didn't resonate, caused friction, or tasks I had repeatedly put aside and needed to complete.

As I awoke early this morning, thoughts began to move through my relaxed mind, and the tensions from yesterday slowly floated back in. Then I heard, 'So, your day begins again; here is a question to ponder before stepping out of bed: Are you bringing your junk from yesterday or your Joy?"

I took a deep breath and saw in my mind's eye the 'junk' dancing around, saying, "Pick us…pick us!" And there was the Joy of yesterday, leaning against a rock, chewing on a blade of grass, just watching. I giggled a little and answered, "Well, Joy, of course!"

Stepping out of bed, I stretched! I decided to experience this day differently and start by smiling momentarily and feeling how my body reacted. Then, I chose to do everything with my opposite hands and legs. Putting my comfies on with the left leg first took about four tries. Brushing my teeth and combing my hair with the other hand had me laughing as mushy toothpaste was drooling down my chin, and then the part in my hair was all crooked when I put the comb down.

My husband comes in, takes one look, and says, "Are you okay?" I looked in the mirror again, and all I could do was laugh, which turned into tears. I quietly said, "I desperately need a 'do-over' today."

He looked quizzically and said, "It's only 5:30. The day hasn't even really started."

"Not in my head." I raised my hands and annoyingly continued, "Yesterday is done and gone, and nobody cares, so why do I?"

He quietly stepped out of the room.

Smart man. :)

Twenty minutes later, I sat down to meditate with a different set of intentions ~ only to concentrate on breathing and listening to the sounds of nature outside the window. I learned two wonderful mantras the other day and decided to put them together and use them:

"I release any energies and emotions that are not mine." ~ Lee Harris

And,

"I dissolve my mind into the perfect peace of Love." ~ Jeshua

It worked! When I felt it move through my body while breathing deeply and exhaling slowly, I relaxed.

Afterward, as I made my cup-a-joe, I was present as I breathed in the delicious aroma. I lit a candle, opened a window, sat in my surroundings' warm, quiet glow, and savored each sip without thinking. I was present, without the guilt and the responsibilities ahead of me, and it felt good.

After the last drop was gone from my cup, I opened my email, and the first quote I saw was this:

"Your smile can make the whole day GLAD for many." ~ Edgar Cayce

I pondered this for a few minutes, remembering the times this had happened, and breathed in a smile. Then, I opened the following email.

"Offer all the love you have to give in any way you have to give it and trust that each will find their own way. And they may not be ready yet. Give what you have and trust it will be enough, whether you can see it or not. What else can you do? And what else is there but the love that you can bring through? If you build the church, or you write ten books, or you invent something, the world will say, "Oh, that's marvelous." If you go and clean the kitty litter and cook the dinner and wash the underwear and tuck someone in bed with a kiss, the world doesn't notice. But that is no less. It is simply the love which you bring in every moment, big or small. It is either done with love or without love, whether it's big to the world or small to the world. When you tuck someone in bed and you kiss them goodnight with love, you seed the whole universe with love." ~ Deep Spring Center

Reading this quote raised my Joy tenfold, followed by emotion. The words made so much sense and are simple to honor. They are easy ways of giving love to myself and others, receiving it from others, and letting them know. And I'm all about planting seeds of love for the whole universe! :)

And then, the last quote:

"Somewhere there is someone being kind just because you were kind to them." ~ Brooke from Random Acts of Kindness Foundation

This quote sealed my morning, and it was only 7:30 am.

I thought about when I had been kind to someone just because, and it felt terrific.

So, just for today…

All that happened yesterday and all the days before…the thoughts, the should haves, and what have yous, are given up in releasing their guilty hold, and I forgive myself for all of it as I prepare for sleep. Sometimes, though, in the wee hours of the morning, those emotions are waiting for me with a "Good morning, we're still here." I then remind myself that it is a brand-new day, and its heart is ready to embrace and help me recognize the simplicity of how to walk on this earth in and as the presence of Love.

First and foremost, I woke up breathing. Check!

Next was to remember that the following 24 hours were mine to consider what I can do, offer, and share with this wild, beautiful, chaotic world that stems from truly who I am and always will be….Love!

The rest of the day will follow suit; if it doesn't, we can change it up any way we want because we decide how the story will unfold.

Talk about freedom... I'm in! :)

Thank you for stopping by. You are always a gift to me.💖

Have a "you" kind of day...unique and beautiful.

Love,

Terry

(If you feel inclined to write your thoughts about this piece, the comment section is below. I would love to hear from you.🌷)