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  • Writer's pictureAmber Howard

Embracing the Present: My Journey to Living One Day at a Time

As I sit down to write this blog, I can't help but reflect on the journey that has brought me to this point in my life. You see, I used to be someone who thrived on plans, schedules, and meticulously crafted to-do lists. I made rigid promises whenever I embarked on a new commitment, and I always felt the pressure of living up to those promises. But over time, I've come to realize the incredible power of living life one day at a time and how it has transformed my perspective on life.

I was always the planner in my group of friends, the one who organized outings, trips, and get-togethers. I took pride in my ability to set goals and meticulously outline the steps required to achieve them. I believed that having a clear plan was the key to success and happiness. And while there's certainly merit in planning for the future, I began to realize that I was missing out on the beauty of the present moment.


My journey towards living one day at a time began with a simple realization: life is unpredictable. No matter how meticulously we plan, unexpected twists and turns will always come our way. I found myself feeling anxious when my plans didn't go as expected, and this anxiety was robbing me of the joy that each day had to offer.

It was during a particularly challenging time in my life that I had an epiphany. I was struggling to juggle work, personal commitments, and a never-ending to-do list. The pressure to keep all my promises was weighing me down, and I felt like I was constantly racing against the clock. It was in this moment of frustration that I decided to take a step back and reevaluate my approach to life.


I began by learning to let go of rigid promises. Instead of making concrete commitments that I might not be able to keep, I started to communicate openly with others about my limitations and boundaries. I realized that it was okay to say no and to ask for help when I needed it. This shift in perspective not only reduced my stress but also strengthened my relationships as I became more authentic and honest with those around me.


The next step in my journey was learning to embrace uncertainty. Life is full of surprises, some good and some challenging. Instead of resisting change and uncertainty, I decided to welcome them with an open heart. I started to see each day as a blank canvas, a new opportunity to shape my experience and make choices that aligned with my values and desires.


Meditation and mindfulness practices played a significant role in helping me live in the present. I learned to anchor myself in the here and now, savoring the small moments that make life beautiful. Whether it was the warmth of the sun on my skin during a morning walk or the simple pleasure of sipping a cup of tea, I found that being present allowed me to truly appreciate life's wonders.


Living one day at a time also meant letting go of the need to control everything. I realized that I couldn't control every aspect of my life, and trying to do so was a recipe for stress and disappointment. Instead, I focused on what I could control—my thoughts, my actions, and my reactions to the world around me.


As I embraced this new way of living, I found a profound sense of freedom and contentment. I no longer felt the need to constantly rush towards the future or dwell on the past. I started to see that each day was a gift, an opportunity to create my own experience and find joy in the ordinary moments.


In conclusion, my journey to living one day at a time has been transformative. I've learned to let go of rigid plans and promises, to embrace uncertainty, and to savor the beauty of the present moment. Life is too precious to be constantly focused on the future, and I've discovered that true happiness comes from fully experiencing each day as it comes. So, if you're like the old me, always planning and striving, I encourage you to take a step back, breathe, and start living life one day at a time. You might just find that the most beautiful moments are the ones you never saw coming.

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