It happened again, but this time I caught myself. In the midst of a tight schedule and long to-do list, I lost sight of “today”. It’s really easy for me to do because it feels really good to get things accomplished! Can you identify? But if I’m not careful I’ll get caught in the trap of living for “someday” instead of living fully today.

Here is what I found helps:

• First, notice your mindset – there is a battle going on for your joy and it’s happening in your thoughts. Take note of thoughts that judge you, others or circumstances. When you have these, try practicing gratitude for what you have, what is going right. I start with small things which are really big things like eyesight, hearing, and walking. This has a big payoff because it releases positive hormones into your body which releases stress and creates joy.
• Second, check-in with your body and notice how it is feeling. I can get so caught in my head that I’ve found it helps me to schedule purposeful pauses. These can be as short as stopping for one minute to step away from what I’m doing and taking three deep breaths, inhaling through my nose and out of my mouth. Go ahead and do it now for yourself and notice what happens.
• Finally, give everyone and everything to Jesus. There are some things in life that you and I just can’t control, but He can. And does. Release and surrender those to Him. Let His peace fill your heart and mind.

So what about you? Will you join me? You won’t get it right every day and neither do I. But the parts of the days where I do live this way are well worth the simple practices I’ve shared.

Join the conversation: Inspire others and share what helps you live “today” fully in the comments below. Thank you!