Poem: Treat Every Day as a Gift

About +/- 8 years ago, I started saying, “I’m having a day” instead of “a bad day.” Why? Because it consciously shifts your mindset to simply acknowledging that you have a day – one that includes both positive and negative aspects.

“I’m having a day”

In life, we encounter stressors and challenges, and it’s not uncommon to hear people proclaiming, “I’m having a bad day” as a default response to life’s ups and downs. However, let’s reframe our mindset and approach. Not all days are good, but that doesn’t mean they’re all bad either. What about letting the day be what it is – at least starting the day with a more neutral perspective?

Personally, this mental shift has brought about a profound change in how I navigate life’s challenges and celebrate its victories. You know, the light at the end of the tunnel, the silver lining somewhere, somehow. However, some days will be harder than others – but without a certain darkness, the stars and moon are quite hard to see. Remember, you are your life’s designer. You have the power of perception and how your reality is shaped by your experiences, influencing your emotional response. Though it takes time for the brain to “reprogram” to a more balanced way, allowing ourselves the freedom to acknowledge the complexity of our experiences leads to deeper emotions and a deeper connection with ourselves. Not every moment may be ideal, but within each day, there are undoubtedly moments of joy, learning, and growth.

Does neutrality, or claiming on the bright side, mean ignoring or suppressing?

Absolutely not, nor masking your true feelings. On the contrary, it involves acknowledging that every day is an adventure of various experiences – some positive, some not as favorable – as we walk down the road of that day’s journey. When we refrain from immediately labeling a day as “bad,” we open ourselves up to a more nuanced understanding of our emotions.

Program your brain for a positive approach

By consciously choosing not to declare a day as “bad,” we engage in a form of self-programming. It’s about training our minds to focus on the positive aspects of each day and finding silver linings even in challenging moments. This mental discipline can lead to increased resilience and a more optimistic outlook on life. In contrast, it’s also essential to not only see the optimistic side. “Delulu is the solulu” only lasts for so long until reality can be a hard truth to swallow. Thus, it’s a powerful practice to change our way of thinking into a more nuanced look. Reflect on both the good and the bad moments, be grateful for the blessings, and be mindful of lessons.

Lastly, it’s also okay not to be okay! Acknowledging and addressing our struggles is an essential part of self-care. Finding a fine balance between looking for the “silver lining mindset” while simultaneously accepting reality by allowing yourself to feel.

Do you accept the challenge?

Next time you feel like you woke up on the wrong side of the bed, take a moment to think and breathe. Try the journey from “having a bad day” to “having a day” – maybe you’ll be surprised at how a day turns bright just because you focused on the light. Remember, it takes more than one day, so give it a real try. Over time, embracing mental neutrality allows us to reflect and learn how to internalize seeing the richness and complexity of each day – truly taking in both sides. Further down the line, your unconscious brain has already given the perspective of a neutral day. You might be surprised by the positive impact it has on your overall well-being.

Treat Every Day As A Gift

Open the ribbon to discover today’s adventure, a new day could be an uplift.

For even when it’s gloomy days,

You can turn the frown upside down in many ways.

Maybe a walk,

Or a good heartfelt talk?

Or rather, taking some time for you,

Be present and breathe,

Do a project of some kind,

For your life is by your own design.

When waking up on the wrong side of the bed,

Take a moment to deal with your thoughts in your head.

Maybe saying you just have a day, than saying it’s blue?

Starting the day neutral could change your first initial point of view.

A good day or a day or two,

Your way out of your feelings is your work to do.

However, accept the help around from near and dear, maybe even a therapist could help you see whatever it is more clear.

In any case, a good day or a day,

Waking up is the universe’s gift to you,

Take the opportunities presented and slay,

Life is too short to only see the grey/gray.

Despite these facts, a certain darkness is needed to see the stars and moon.

It’s part of life’s balance, it’s part of your journey to find your tune.

/CG Art & Poetry

Buy the poetry collection ‘The Broken and The Divine’ through me or on Amazon (paperback and e-book).