That’s the first reminder that comes up on my phone everyday.
It hits somewhere between rolling out of bed and figuring out breakfast. By that time, my mind has made several attempts to plan my day.
Most times, it has informed me that not everything I want to get done will get done, and I need to start panicking. Luckily, I don’t believe that one nearly as much anymore. So, it tells me there is nothing to eat. That I don’t have enough money. That I don’t exercise enough or do anything anyway, ya’ no good lazy bum. Pretty much anything to get a rise out me. Minds are like that, I think.
Today is an Adventure!
Ahh yes, I had forgotten that again. I had forgotten that everything that happens today is something I can pay attention to, something I can relish for the emotions it evokes in me, the challenges it presents. I’d forgotten that I can indulge and feel deeply the good and the bad. That my expectations will most likely be shattered by 9am anyway and then I’m free to enjoy the surprise of whatever happens next.
Besides, once I let go of all that stress, everything that needs doing gets done. And in between the tasks, I find myself in stimulating conversations that I may otherwise have rushed past. I find myself breathing more deeply. Noticing the clouds. Feeling my joy. I’m more relaxed and more excited at the same time.
Even on days that are filled with frustration and computer problems and bank errors and general stupidness of the entire planet (you know you’ve had those days), if I can remember that today, this moment, is another adventure, I’m not nearly so decimated by it all. It’s almost as if I’m watching myself, in mild amusement, as I boil because the printer once again refused to print. And then it all works out one way or the other. And I can thank the gods that at least it’s done.
Sometimes, I am lucky enough to get reminded twice of the adventure. This quote fell in my inbox:
Consciousness is always open to many possibilities because it involves play. It is always an adventure.” — Julian Jaynes.
Isn’t that amazing?
Now, go put a reminder in your phone!
