Tag Archives: Zen

Live one day at a time

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A while back I bought a little poster to hang in my cube with Zen principles/sayings called “Live one day at a time and make it a masterpiece: A – ZEN of Life.” I thought this week I would review the first 6 principles for my daily mission, reflect on them, and think about how to incorporate them into my life.

  1. Avoid negative sources, people, places and habits
  2. Believe in yourself
  3. Consider things from every angle
  4. Don’t give up and don’t give in
  5. Everything you’re looking for lies behind the mask you wear
  6. Family and friends are hidden treasures, seek them and enjoy their riches

Weekly mission:

1. Avoid negative sources, people, places, and habits

A tough first one to look at. For some time over the past couple years, I have been the most negative thing in my life. I was run down by all the challenges I’d be trying to overcome or find ways to deal with. It was hard to see positive through the negative. I caught glimpses. Then was knocked back down. Being tired of that way of living is part of what brought me to this journey of self-improvement. So now I face each day trying to recognize opportunity, reminding myself of the ways in which I am doing well, and trying so hard to see positive before negative.

Negative habits. Boy do I have some. Ignoring compliments or turning them into something negative is one I’ve been working on. Simply saying “thank you” instead of arguing with those who compliment me. Sounds simple. But it was hard when I first started trying. I had to pause before responding. But its getting easier.

The other negative habit I choose to focus on improving now is being defensive. Be open to what others say. Give it appropriate thought. Hear what they are saying before reacting. Assume the positive intention. The key will be to be really honest with myself. Get rid of excuses. And work to fix those negative things I discover instead of being upset about them.

2. Believe in yourself

Step 1: know yourself. Step 2: Believe that you can be the person you want to be. Step 3: Love the person I am each step of the way. Easy peasy 😉 Right? Easier than I thought actually. And it feels really good. Taking time to really get to know who I am, consider who I want to be, and recognize the value in who I am has been a really good experience. So far. I have a long way to go. Forever, probably. But like the title says, “Live one day at a time”

My mantra “You’re doing better than you think you are”, from week one should help me along this journey.

Thanks for reading!

~Teresa