Today is the first day of the rest of my life. How do I want to live it? The choice is mine.
Today is the first day of the rest of my life. How do I want to live it? The choice is mine.
I have heard over and over again that you live your life as if it is the last day of your life. I’m amazed that why would anyone wait for the last day to have the best time of their life? I want to do it from the very beginning.
A few years ago, I had this profound realization: “Today is the first day of the rest of my life.” I want today to be the best day of my life so far. We underestimate the innate power of this statement and the possibilities it offers. It provides an opportunity to let go of the past and focus on what you can do now.
This notion completely shifted my idea about life. I realized that every day is a new possibility, and my life could change with each passing day. I've seen myself as the author, creating a life of progress, perseverance, and joy. The finest part is that you can shape the plot as you want along the way.
This mindset reminds me of a story famous actor Will Smith shared from his childhood. During one of the summer breaks, Will’s father tasked him and his brother with building a wall in front of his shop. The enormity of the work nearly drove them to quit. However, they completed the job, and the lesson learned was that you shouldn’t think of a wall; just lay each brick to the best of your ability.
Every day, every moment, is like a brick in your life (like a wall in Will’s story): an opportunity to make choices, act, and get a little bit closer to the grand vision we hold for ourselves. You learn brick by brick and realize your true potential.
Naturally, we'll stumble. Some bricks might be less perfectly laid than others. But remember, the spirit of failing forward is crucial. We analyze our missteps, not to dwell on them, but to refine our approach. With every mistake, we gain wisdom. With every dawn, we begin again, armed with experience and a fierce determination to keep building.
Anxiety about the future or images of the past is easy to become trapped in. We all have regrets and wish we could change certain things. No matter what we do, we can’t change what has happened. People suffer from memories of the past, while nothing material is left of it. Today, offer yourself the grace of forgiveness. The person you are now has learned from those experiences. Every sunrise is a cosmic reset button, a chance to build on your strengths.
Similarly, most of us are sleepless, imagining all that can happen next. All we can do is be ready for it. Life is in this moment.
Our (humans') true power is in deciding how we want to be, how we interpret and respond to challenges, and what kind of energy we project into our existence.
It is never too late to reclaim your narrative. Each day is a new opportunity to shed what no longer serves you and live the remarkable life you deserve. So, take deep breaths, trust (not believe) firmly in yourself, and make the first day of the rest of your life count!
Remember, the only person you need to be better than is the person you were yesterday and contribute to the broader universal self and the cosmos we are one with.
Let me know how you plan the first day of the rest of your life in the comments section.
This is exactly what I needed to read this week. Thank you so much.