One Day at a Time

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​Time.
So many of us have wished and prayed for more of it.
More time to get things done.
More time to rest and relax.
More time to spend with those we love. 
More time to help others in need.

It would seem, in some ways, our wishes and prayers have been granted.

So what are you doing with this gift? Hopefully, you are getting things done, catching up on sleep, having some fun with your family, and sharing rolls of toilet paper. 

I have been doing all of that.
As well, I have been self-reflecting. 
Get ready to go DEEP if you dare!

It all started when I chose to become a self-employed entrepreneur.
This unchartered journey has changed me in many ways. Sure, I'm the same ol' gal I've always been, but I'm different too. 

In 2019, for the first time, I realized I had some relationships to mend and others that required strengthening. Since then, I have been working diligently and spending time with my past and future self. (I warned you!)
Stay with me.
No one can look at your life - past or future - with more honest compassion than you can. 
I knew that.
I just didn't always want to look too closely --- for fear, I suppose, that I might not like what I see. 

There were things from my past that needed my ownership.
There were things about me that needed forgiveness. 
But! There were also 'kudos' and 'attagirls' I never gave myself.
And, there are goals and ambitions my future self is expecting from me.
There is a level of health and wellness my future self desires.

The time I have taken to reflect on my life has gifted me with a stronger, happier, healthier relationship with both my past and future selves. These relationships continue to require my time and attention; it has been an incredible, worthwhile practice.
And, since you may have a little extra time on YOUR hands these days, well, I thought this honest and vulnerable peek into my personal journey might offer inspiration to someone. At least I hope it will. 
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If you're still reading, let's start working.
Writing things down is always my preference, but this is an activity you can do while driving or folding laundry too. No excuses. Just do it. 


Step 1: Think about your life today. Have you accomplished any dreams of yours? Did you marry a great man? Do you have the family you hoped for? Have you become the stay-at-home mom you always wanted to be? Are you driving an awesome car? Did you get that dream job that took four years of college to achieve? Are you living in a lovely home or in a location you love?
Step 2: Think about how this dream, aspiration, or goal came to be. What had to happen for its achievement? When did it all begin? What was required of you?
Step 3: Have a quiet conversation - silently in your mind, out loud, or even in a whisper. 

It is that simple. And, believe me, it is life changing.

The first time I did this was the month after I intentionally left a stable, fulfilling, consistently paying job back in early 2019 to become a self-employed entrepreneur.

A month in, and I was doing it. 
Business was growing! 
It was amazing.

I was overjoyed that my past self had been brave enough to take that step. In a quiet moment, I realized I was so grateful to her.  

Wow, Melissa. You did it. You really did it. I'm so glad you did. I remember you were scared to leave the comfort of that comfortable career and a predictable paycheck. I know you questioned your abilities. And, yet, you didn't let that stop you. You relied on God's direction and embraced the love and support of everyone around you. And look at us now! We're doing it. Thank you. 

This simple moment opened a floodgate. 

I started to think about things that hadn't gone so well. Mistakes. Poor choices. Bad judgment. And, I just kept talking to her - my past self. 

We have covered a lot of ground in 2019 and have gone on to dream - together - about all that is to come. (I know, I know. Someone is going to reference Sybil in a reply to this post, but I'm okay with that. We are okay with that!)

I know that in time my future self is going to thank me for this moment right now. 

What will YOUR future self say to you?

Think about it ~ especially since we have the time.

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