For years, I felt heavy, as if I was wearing one of those vests they put on you at the dentist office when they take x-rays. Pressure weighed me down.
I couldn’t figure out why life was so hard for me.
Have you ever felt like you were struggling to make it through the day?
I know I have.
Many, many times I’ve fought off depression, anxiety, fear, doubt, worry, insecurity and the next thing I knew, I’d be drowning in hopelessness.
As “Christians” sometimes we end up feeling like we’re defective or flawed because we aren’t like all the other Christians that seem to have it all together. We feel like why in the heck is this “Christian” thing not working for me like it is for those other people we see plastered all over social media?
One night, about a year ago I woke up from a dead sleep and found the answer to why I had been anxiously struggling day in and day out with life.
Three little words popped in my mind, JUST LIVE TODAY.
You would think after living with cancer, chemotherapy, life support, and being faced with never walking or breathing again on my own that I would have really understood the concept of living one day at a time. Out of all people, someone who’s kissed the face of death and has this incredible second chance at life, surely I lived life to it’s fullest, cherishing every moment, every breath?
Unfortunately, I did not.
You might be scratching your head and asking me why, right about now? The reason why is because in my mind I lived in the past consumed with regrets and fears or I live in the future of what ifs.
My mind was like a marry-go-round, spinning round and round in the past or the future. It never stopped to rest in the present.
Once I began to truly Just Live Today by intentionally disciplining myself to keep my mind focused only on the 24-hours at hand, I felt light and free, almost as if I could truly breath again. It was not easy work but you know the old saying practice pays off.
Today I can honestly say that I truly Just Live Today, one 24-hours at a time. I cherish life. Gratitude consumes my day.
So how about you? Where does your mind stay? Does the past consume you? Does the future taunt you? Does the present scare you?
What would your life look like if you simply stopped the marry-go-round in your mind and JUST LIVE TODAY?
I would love to hear from you in the comments below.
If you are struggling with the inability to just live today, contact me for coaching. I currently have a waiting list, however I have a few appointments opening up in mid April. I want to encourage you that there is hope and a new way of life. ((hugs))
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Linda Kuhar is a Certified Christian Life Coach, Board Certified Life Coach, Certified Human Behavior Consultant, Writer, Speaker, and Mentor. Click here to learn more about coaching with Linda & frequently asked questions about the coaching experience.
I love this post! It is so true that living in the past and future fill us with depression and anxiety. For me there is this feeling and belief that I can’t be happy or maybe don’t deserve to be happy until everything is settled and perfect. Soooo exhausting because when is life ever settled or perfect! For today I will just live today! Thank you for such down to earth, practacle advice!!
Boy I sure do understand where you are coming from with waiting to be happy or content until everything is perfect! I’ve been stuck there many times, however for today I choose to Just Live Today as I truly enjoy the peace that comes along with it. Thank you for sharing!
Linda, I am so happy to see you posting again. Your words really touch me. We have just moved, to a much smaller place. I am struggling with the move, even though I know it is where God wants us to be. My husband and I prayed for God to show us the place where He wants us to live and we found this home. There are days when I can’t seem to be grateful and then, I get so down on myself for feeling that way. I have struggled with depression and anxiety in the past. Also, being a 9 year breast cancer survivor, any little ache or pain still causes me to get anxious. Thank you for allowing me to be honest with my feelings and to recognize that I have been living in the past, worrying about the present and worrying about the future. I will work on your thoughts of Just Live Today. God Bless You. 🙂
Thank you sweet Melissa for sharing! I’ve missed you too friend. Thank you for always being honest here and sharing your heart. Your obedience to the Lord with your move inspires me to let go of my ways and do what the Lord is telling me to do. Love you and I’m so grateful for your constant words of support and encouragement here. ((hugs))
Linda,
It’s so good to hear from you again. I so miss your words of wisdom, your encouragement, and godly advice. Your words “JUST LIVE TODAY” rang loudly to my heart. As I checked my bank account I found that I was $100+ short of paying a bill which is due 2 days before my next paycheck. As I began to worry I was reminded to pray first. I know that God will guide me in what to do. I want to enjoy what God gives me daily – TODAY! As I’m writing this comment He has placed on my heart to call the company and request an extension. God has ALWAYS made a way! Thanks again Linda. May God continue to bless and keep you as you grow in His grace and favor.
Thank you Joycelyn for reading my blog and your words of encouragement. 🙂 You gave me a virtual ((hug)). I love how the Lord spoke to you in the middle of your post. God is good. He always provides. Saying a prayer for you tonight over your finances.
Thanks Linda for your prayers. Goodnight!
Oh good grief…I got it, I got it!!! hahahaha Girl, you have no idea how timely this message is. I keep trying to step over God to get to the next thing and He keeps telling me “be still,” and now I get “live for today.” I do believe the hammer has hit this nail on the head!! He reminds me to be thankful for what I have right now and to count my blessings and watch Him work and to get outta the past. He is doing a new thing. So, I plop back down into this place where He has me right now and I thank Him for this life and I thank Him for you and all the ways you have touched my life!! Love ya girl!!
Love you SOOOOO Much Trish!!! As always you crack me up! Your obedience to God encourages me to just accept what He gives me or tells me and JUST DO IT! Thank you for commenting. It’s great to see you here. ((hugs))
Linda , thank you for posting it is so good to see you posting again I have missed them , you encourage me , God reminds me everyday to be thankful for something , when negativity strikes , God strikes back with something to raise me up , to pull my mind back in His direction and not remain with the negative . When things run short , in my finances etc , God provides one way or another He reminds me of how far He has brought me in the last couple of years . I am so thankful for still having a roof over my head still it’s only Him that has brought me this far . I was almost at the point of living in the streets until God kept me right where I was at and providing each step of the way . Yes I am still playing catch up after being unemployed , with utilities and it’s ruff but God will provide and shows me everyday
Thank you Linda
Hello Sweet Carol! Thank you for welcoming me back 😉 It encourages me so much. Thank you!!!! Thank you for commenting and supporting me. ((hugs))
How good it was to read your post and so timely. I have had to be reminded just how important it is to be in the here and now. To be in the moment. These past weeks have been that merry-go-round you describe, simply because my daughter tried to end her life. Thankfully she is here today. The caring, praying and loving has poured out of me for her and now I am tired, my mind is full of’ what if’s?’
Your timely words have reminded me to..’ Just Live Today’.
I am also reminded of a words printed out in the counselling centre, where I volunteer.
‘ We can’t change the past, We don’t know the future, But we can change the way we think’
Today, I have your words to help me change the way I think. One day at a time.
Thanks Linda.
Christine Ann, I want to cover you and your daughter in prayer. Gracious heavenly Father, thank you for Christine Ann and her precious daughter. Lord I am claiming your love and power of both of their lives today. Thank you Jesus for your mercy and grace. Lord, I pray for complete healing, restoration to Christine’s daughter’s mind, body and spirit. Thank you Lord for you unfailing love. In Jesus name we stand united for complete healing. Amen. Thank you for sharing that quote…that WE CAN CHANGE THE WAY WE THINK. It’s up to us every minute of the day to make a decision on how we choose to think. I remind myself frequently just because I feel a certain way, I do not have to think the same way. Sending you and your family love & (((hugs))). Thank you for sharing your heart here.
Linda,
I would say that my husband and I spend far too much time in the future.
My husband went through two-years of cancer treatment and this really forced us to focus on the present.
But the more time that passes the less we remember what it means to live in the present, but start turning to future plans.
For us it’s really about making a conscious choice to live for today.
It’s something we always have to be aware of.
Matthew 6:34 is a verse I am always reminding myself of: Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Just live today.
One day a time.
Just for today.
First things first.
Oh, sometimes I wish it came easier to me. I am so prone to worry and anxiety and future-thinking, that I forget to stay in the present, in the moment.
Thank you for your heart today♡
Kristin
LOVE this! Reminds me of Lamentations 3:22-23 22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
EVERY morning He equips me to face the day!
So HAPPY to see you blogging again, and love the post, so true, and so peaceful when we do it!!