Photo by flik
Am I the only one who gets a little overwhelmed when thinking about the future?
I've found time and time again, that when I plan for tomorrow, it's pretty easy. I know what needs to be done, and though it might not go according to plan, I know what season of life we're in as a family.
Not so when I begin mental gymnastics--preparing for next month or next year, or even at times next week.
I'm happier, and a better mother, when I stick with what's in front of me. I think most of us are--it's called mindfulness.
So why, oh why, is it so easy to forget my own advice?
Throughout the past month we've been in a frenzied rut --without realizing it, I began projecting our current challenges into the future. And I must say, the future didn't look so appealing, what with the weight of all my imaginary worries forecasted onto it.
I believe one key to a mom's happiness comes from asking "What should I do today?" During difficult times it might even be "What should I do in the next five minutes?" I'm not talking about productivity or efficiency here either. Sometimes the "right" answer could very well be to sit and do nothing.
Often what we think we need to think about, we don't really need to think about. Sometimes "analyzing" is just a sophisticated word that really means "brooding."
I've shared this poem before, and on difficult days I like to reread this part:
"Just for today I will live through this day only, not tackle my whole life problem at once. I can do things for 12 hours that would appall me if I had to keep them up for a lifetime."
Remember that, moms of littles, the next time you're in the middle of a day that seems filled with tantrums from start to finish - it's just one day! (Or maybe 142, but still, not all!!)
It reminds me of this comforting passage of Scripture:
"Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. So don't worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." (Matthew 6:34-35)
When we focus on the long-term, our burdens compound. But when we focus on the short-term, our mental burdens often diminish.
Peace is found in living this moment--the simplest and best gift life has to offer.
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