today is full of possibilities

so stop focusing on yesterdays troubles...

Author

Rob Blades
September 04, 2024

 

Every day we wake up, we're presented with a new chapter.

You don’t know what the next chapter holds, all you know is you need to keep going forward to finish the story.

Think about it: when you’re reading a book, do you keep flipping back to the previous page?

Or do you stay focused on the current chapter, eager to see what unfolds next?

The deceit, the drama, the next ooo moment…

Your life works the same way.

Focusing on the present, rather than the lingering frustration of an argument, the regret of a missed opportunity, or just the echo of yesterday’s stress.

Allows you to embrace new opportunities and possibilities.

Take the story of Lots wife from the bible.

She had the opportunity to escape the destruction of the cities, but looked back, behind her and as a consequence of clinging to the past life, she was turned to a pillar of salt.

So today, let's turn the page completely and start fresh. Let's focus on what we can create now, instead of what we wish we had written differently yesterday.

Let's dive into today's 4-3-2-1, keeping this idea in mind.

In Today’s 4-3-2-1:

  • 4 prompts :1 about your past, 2 about present and now, 1 about your future.

  • 3 questions to spark creativity in a world that doesn’t encourage it.

  • 2 affirmations for the week.

  • 1 tool to help with today’s topic.

"You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending."

- C.S Lewis.

4 Journal Prompts:

  1. Reflect on a Past Chapter: Recall a day when you let past issues dominate your thoughts. How did that affect your mood and the events of that day? What could have changed if you had focused on the present?

    • Example: Think about a time when a mistake at work followed you home. How did it affect your interactions with your family or your ability to relax?

  2. Embrace Today’s Plot: What are the unique opportunities available to you today that weren’t there yesterday? How can you make the most of them?

    • Example: Consider a new challenge at work or a personal project you’ve been putting off. How can you approach it with a fresh perspective?

  3. Leave the Past on the Previous Page: Identify something from yesterday that's still bothering you. How can you let it go to fully engage with today’s tasks and joys?

    • Example: If a conversation with a friend or colleague didn’t go well, how can you approach today with a clear mind and a positive attitude?

  4. Write Tomorrow’s Chapter: Imagine a future where you consistently focus on the present. How would your life look different? What daily habits could help you make this shift?

    • Example: Visualise yourself practicing mindfulness or setting daily intentions. How would this practice transform your approach to challenges?

3 Questions to Unleash Creativity:

  1. Morning Mindset Ritual: Start your day with a brief meditation or affirmation session to clear your mind and set positive intentions for the day ahead.

  2. Creative Journaling: Instead of just writing, try illustrating your thoughts about the day’s possibilities. Use doodles, mind maps, or symbols to visualise your goals and feelings.

  3. Unplug and Play: Dedicate a few minutes each day to a creative activity that’s purely for fun—whether it’s drawing, playing an instrument, or simply daydreaming. This helps reset your mind and encourages fresh ideas.

2 Affirmations:

"I am fully present today, ready to embrace new opportunities."

"Each day is a new beginning, and I release what no longer serves me."

1 Tool to help:

Mindful Breathing Exercise: Whenever you catch yourself dwelling on yesterday, pause for a mindful breathing exercise.

Take five deep breaths, focusing solely on the inhale and exhale, to bring your mind back to the present.

This helps ground you and refocus your thoughts on today’s possibilities.

Stay Unapologetically You, Stay Confident And Be Kind.

Robbo ‘The PVC Chief’ Blades