The Importance of Not Worrying, Living One Day at a Time

The Importance of Not Worrying, Living One Day at a Time

Through the Fog
It doesn’t make sense to worry about what our future holds. We are only guaranteed this moment in time. We should cultivate the habit of taking it one day at a time, it’s so much less stressful.

Worrying doesn’t change anything. Did you know that most of the things we worry about never come to pass? It’s really a waste of our emotional energy. It keeps us from really living and enjoying the people in our lives. Write down all the things you’re worried about. Now tear it up or burn it, and say “You will no longer have a hold on me.” Do this at least once a week. It’s very cathartic.

Try not to get so caught up in your pain and suffering that you lose sight of the joys around you. I know it’s not easy, but I promise you it will change you for the better if you live in the moment. Time is a precious commodity, let’s not waste it worrying about what tomorrow might bring.

God gives us grace for each day, not for a week, month or year. Prioritize what’s important for today. Take care of your family the best you can, and allow your family to also take care of you. Don’t rob them of that blessing. Perhaps you should make a sign that says “JUST FOR TODAY” and put it where you’ll see it every day. You can handle anything just for today.

You can get through whatever life brings your way — today. You really can. Some people say they just can’t take it anymore. That’s partially due to the fact that they are looking at how things have been so far, and projecting what their future might hold. That’s overwhelming to anyone to live like that. Especially those of us with chronic conditions like fibromyalgia.

Let go of the pain in your past and embrace the here and now. Don’t keep yourself or anyone else locked into who you/they were. Plan for tomorrow, but live for today. When you focus on today it makes life that much easier to navigate.

Taking life one day at a time reduces your anxiety and can really change your perspective in a positive way. Perhaps adopting the mindset that this could be your last day on earth, some things that seemed so urgent will just fade into the background. Pain is a harsh taskmaster. Don’t borrow tomorrow’s potential pain and suffering; it will negatively impact you today.

Can you stop worrying and live just for today? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Note: Fibromyalgia News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Fibromyalgia News Today, or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to fibromyalgia.

29 comments

  1. Em says:

    Your words are so true. For me it is, at times, one moment at a time. So many things I want to do, like to do…my fantasy bucket list is overflowing. No self pity. Each moment can at times be a challenge as well as overwhelming. Turning 65 has overwhelmed me w/ so many changes that I just want to get through these things. A lady from Humana coming on Monday.
    When I get overwhelmed the fog settles in and I want to disappear-guess I do vanish into the fog.
    Cold and fibro are not a positive combination. Depression I have had all of my life. It is treatment resistant. Use my cognitive skills. I have given up on therapy due to a horrific experience w/ a therapist that still harasses and stalks. Nothing I can do-already tried to set me up and her attempt failed. She received a 99 year suspension and blames me. I did not file the charges. She did not want to work. Another letter in the mail has rocked my boat. I do not even open them.
    I did try to work w/ another therapist and could not work through the hostility which had nothing to do w/ her and we both knew it.
    The loneliness and isolation is dreadful.
    Thanks for a place to let out some of the pain.
    Peace and Blessings.
    I have my creativity to help me through. God is good and He will get me through. My father committed suicide and I am having a hard time w/ such thoughts. I would not do this to my family even though it seems it would be best. I know what his opting out did to me-the eldest of 3 daughters. My 2 younger siblings have good lives and have moved on. I wonder why I cannot do the same. My mother blamed me and I don’t believe it was my fault-sometimes.
    Sorry, has nothing to do w/ fibro. Needed to let some of the hurt out.

  2. Patrice says:

    The best way to be able to just live for today and not worry about tomorrow is knowing where you’re going when this life is over!

    By that I mean do you have an assurance of heaven? You can you know.

  3. Denise Bault says:

    I recently saw the following saying in a magazine :
    “Good morning…this is God.
    I will be handling your problems today.”
    I cut it out and put it up on my mirror. Makes me smile, just thinking of it!

  4. PAMELA BERGMANN-KNEBEL says:

    As always you give us positive articles. Again this one hit home because living for today has always been my motto, but lately, I haven’t been able to do that. I have so much stress in my life right now it’s consuming me, the latest being I just blew the engine on my new vehicle because I didn’t pay attention to the oil level. My husband is furious with me about that and other things, I’m having dental problems, a stepson who is freeloading off us, a second sinus infection, a foster dog that is dying of cancer, a house remodel put on hold and living in a mess, having a tax preparation business that is about to open and I’m not prepared, weather and stress have been increasing my pain, lack of money, ect. I just printed off a bunch of ‘JUST FOR TODAY’signs to post around the house and hung my go to sign that says, “LORD, help me to remember that nothing is going to happen to me today that you and I together can’t handle” I’m trying but am so overwhelmed by TOO much. I just don’t want to live anymore but will try to take your message to heart. thanks.

  5. Everyday I have to deal with chronic pain if it isn’t Fibromyalgia, it’s the severe pain of osteo-arthritis! It is getting so bad, that I feel like I am not even involved in life anymore! Winter is the worse for me! In the summer I feel so much better, but the winter months are so long, along with its gloominess and lack of sunlight!!! Few people understand, including my family. I try to cope with it, but I have the energy of a 100 yr+ person! My life has so radically changed in the last 20 yrs. that the few friends I have cannot understand what happened to me! But on the positive side, those rare times when I do feel better, are so precious to me, and I do take full advantage of feeling the moment!!!!

    • Robin Dix says:

      Elaine, I’m not a fan of winter either, so much more pain! I’ve been in bed most of the time for the past several years. So glad you are able to take advantage of those moments when you feel better!!

  6. victoria says:

    why does God and blessings etc have to be mentioned in this article? can`t we discuss fibro without religious overtones , you all presume every reader believes in God, I do not.

    • Robin Dix says:

      Victoria, I sincerely apologize if I have offended you. I do not presume that every reader is a believer in God, there are those who do. Please disregard anything in the article that was offensive to you.

  7. Denise Bault says:

    I went to tanning salons when I used to live in a cold climate. I ALWAYS felt better after “warming up my bones.” I know they are not healthy for long term use – but most of us couldn’t give a hoot now, we just want RELIEF! – but for 5-10 minutes, it may help with the lack of sunshine as well as giving much needed warmth. Just a thought for those that are cold and miserable…

  8. PAMELA BERGMANN-KNEBEL says:

    Thank you for the comment; I have a call into the vet today; this week his pain has increased and now has blood in his urine. I’m thinking it has to be within the week. I’m not trying to prolong his life; Prior he was still enjoying the hugs and cuddles; now he just seems sad. So you are very right and I thank you.

  9. PAMELA BERGMANN-KNEBEL says:

    I am doing better by using the “Just for today” motto and have had a prayer answered this week. The second in my life so no one tell me that there is no God! One by one the little stressor’s that add up to one big stress are being whittled down and I see hope!

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