You’ve heard it here before… “Today is the only day we are promised.” To me, that is why we need to approach each day – each today – as our “best day yet.” We often carry so many burdens from our yesterdays and worry so much about our tomorrows that we fail to grasp the beauty and promise of each new day we’re given. Sanhita Baruah, author/blogger, wrote the following about today:

 

Nostalgia (by Sanhita Baruah)

How often we use this word reminiscing about the past – our childhood, school days, college days. We feel nostalgic, we dwell in the memories of the past, we talk about how great those days were and how we would do anything to just go back in time and live those days again…

Perhaps we fail to realize the fact that tomorrow we will say the same things about today, about the days we are living in now, about the emotions we are feeling now, about the time we are spending now…

I love this day. I love this weird feeling I feel today. I belong here.

 

I often close these missives with something like, “Remember, today could be your very best day yet… watch for it!” When I say this, I really do mean it. When I look back on my life, I recall many special days. But, I also recall some of my “best days” being just ordinary days… days that started just like any other day. Something happened that day that made it special… a “best day.” It wasn’t something planned. I didn’t have a note on my calendar that said, “December 16 – Have the best day yet!” But, it happened despite my lack of planning or preparation.

The things I do today are so important, that I am giving up a day of my life to do them. So, in exchange for this day of my life, I want to make a difference to someone else… I want my efforts today to be my best work… I want to be a giver, not a take… I want to fulfill my purpose for today. Here are some of my favorite quotes on “today”:

• “When was the last time you woke up and realized that today could be the best day of your life?” – Steve Marabili

• “Success is to wake up each morning and consciously decide that today will be the best day of your life.” – Ken Poirot

• “’What day is it?’ asked Pooh. ‘It’s today,” squeaked Piglet. ‘My favorite day,’ said Pooh.” – A. A. Milne

• “Make today a gift to your future self.” – Anonymous

• “Believe in the promise of today, and have hope in the possibilities of tomorrow.” – Chris Burkmenn

• “Live today facing forward – with your back on yesterday, your eyes on tomorrow, and your head and heart in the moment.” – Richelle E. Goodrich

• “One good thing about five-year olds is they are always just a Krazy Straw and some chocolate milk away from the best day ever.” – Simon Holland (Thanks, Jan Shalit for sharing this.)

• “Don’t live in the past – you’ve already been there. And don’t live in the future, either. Tomorrow will be here soon enough. Live in this moment now – it is sacred and unrepeatable. This moment alone holds valuable gifts that should not be missed.” – Steve Goodier

 

So, think about how you can shift your attitude to treasure today more. Think about how you can make each new “today” something special and unique. Consider that you only have one chance at today — there is no rewind or re-do — so, put aside any feeling that doesn’t consider this a great new opportunity. Even without a Krazy Straw and chocolate milk, let’s make this day one of our very best.

Thanks for all you do. You are the source of many “best days” for me, so, for that, I am forever indebted. Now, go do it!