Live this Day Well

Some days, the greatest battle we fight has nothing to do with what is happening around us. It is what is happening within us.

We wake up carrying yesterday's irritation, an old disappointment, a worry about tomorrow, or a resentment we thought we had dealt with. Then something small goes wrong, and suddenly the whole day feels against us.

Darkness creeps in through frustration, bitterness, envy, anger, self-pity, suspicion, and constant dissatisfaction. We focus so intently on what is wrong that we stop seeing what is still good.

So, what can we actually do to get through each day?

Own the day.
Owning the day doesn't mean controlling it. We can't control other people, circumstances, or what tomorrow brings. We can only control what we bring to the day.

Be willing. 
Try again. Learn. Change. Apologise. Listen. Admit that you don't have all the answers. Stay teachable. If you're willing, everything can improve.

Be able.
Look at what's within your reach instead of becoming consumed by what isn't. You may not be able to change the situation, but you can change your response. You may not be able to fix everything, but you can do the next right thing.

Be accountable.
Other people may be responsible for what they've done to you, but you're responsible for what you do with it. You can be hurt without becoming hateful. You can be disappointed without becoming bitter. Someone else's behaviour doesn't have to determine yours.

Be grateful.
Not because everything is perfect, but because something is still good. Notice the coffee, the conversation, the familiar voice, the meal on the table, the person who checks in, the sunset you nearly missed. Much of life's goodness is ordinary, and ordinary blessings are still blessings.

Do good.
Do it now. Not when life is easier. Not when you have more money, more time, or fewer problems. Say the kind word. Make the call. Help someone. Listen. Forgive where you can. Be patient. Make another person's day a little lighter. Most importantly, do good to the people who are with you now.

It's easy to spend our lives thinking about the people who hurt us, disappointed us, or walked away while overlooking the people who are still standing beside us. We can spend so much time arguing with the past that we miss the present.

Life is happening now. Live it. And live it well.