When our schedules get uprooted. When our touch-points change. One way I find myself grounding myself again is to ask this one question:
“What do I need to do for today?”
There is the idea that each day is a gift. Each gift comes with its own responsibilities. There might be work, burdens, and joys to experience. These aspects may be completely unrelated to the day prior or a continuation thereof. We never really know. We may bring into each day our own set of goals, tasks, and desires, but there may be other things to watch out for, too.
To really drill into this idea I enter into a conversation about the day. I do this the night before or when I wake up first thing in the morning. In the morning the conversation lasts through my entire wake-up routine. I might review my lists, or check my calendar, too. While I’m still asking the question, I write down what I hear. The conversation has to end before I can go to sleep the night before or begin working that day.
I trust that the thoughts I’ve been given for the day are enough to focus me in the direction of the day. I have learned to stay open to nudges, too, but there is a balance here. Focus on the particular direction day and keep my eyes and ears open.
What do you do, to focus on the gift of today?