One of my favorite aphorisms is that every day is a fresh start. No, not in a Groundhog Day manner where we’re all doomed to repeat the same hideous day over and over again, but each day as a brand new opportunity. I suppose this is similar to Alcoholics Anonymous’ “One day at a time,” but I prefer my own wording. I say it to my kids when they’re having a rough day, and I say it to myself when everything seems to be stacking up against me.
Yes, yesterday was difficult from start to finish, but today is a brand new day. (This is just an example, as yesterday was actually lovely 😉 )
For me, this is the key to living an upbeat life. Making sure I have things to look forward to, (a walk with a friend, or some form of social get together) and continually recharging my opportunities for happiness.
So if today is rotten to the core, remember that tomorrow is always a fresh start.
For those of you who have not read Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project, please note that is now available in paperback. I highly recommend this engaging, life changing book!
Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without”
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Fabulous book! And that saying is so uplifting…thanks for the reminder.
Jana
I always liked in Anne of Green Gables book/movie when the Anne character says “Every day is fresh with no mistakes”.
Just took it out of the library last week. Excited to get to it!
My mother used to say, “Mother always said there’d be days like this!” Good to remember, too, that one needn’t be “happy” to be cheerful.
My favourite quote from the book was ‘It’s not what you do once in a while, but what you do everyday that counts’. The book is full of common sense – stuff we should all know – but sometimes forget. Jo
ps – Katy I saw a mug coaster the other day when at a victorian museum that said ‘make do and mend’ . I was going to purchase it and send it to you (as a thank you for all your effort you put into your blog – I now fully appreciate what work goes in – and you do a hell of a lot more work that I!) but was unsure whether you have a PO box number to send it to. If you do please let me know, and next time I visit I’ll pick one up.
Don’t want to sound too grabby, but I would LOVE coasters that say “Make do and mend.” Because I am that person constantly trying to get people to use coasters at my house! 😀
Katy
I would love to oblige – but will need an address. Promise not to do anything odd with it (I’m a very trustworthy person) – feel free to e-mail me at simplybeingmum(at)gmail(dot)com. It would be my way of saying thanks! I’ve really enjoyed your blog now for 2 years, and have had to pay nowt for the privilege.
my motto is similar but from a song lyric ( dont recall the artist, etc to give proper credit off the top of my head) “What a difference a day makes, 24 little hours…” A good night sleep also helps to put one in a better, more rested , frame of mind to deal with a new day’s challenges or rewards 🙂 Next web stop = library reserve page 🙂
I was so excited of the news of this book. I borrowed it from the library once, and paperback is just my price. I researched the least expensive place to buy it, ordered it and can’t wait til it arrives.
I enjoy your blog so much….I need to tighten our budget.
Fantastic book. I’m waiting for the paperback to come out this month, and then will buy several copies for myself and as gifts. Great book, highly recommend it!