Krista Hannesen

Focus on Today

Through this crazy time, I've learned to let the roller coaster of emotions flow.

When I was younger, I got some great advice that means more to me now than ever. That advice is: worry about today. Don’t think about tomorrow or the next day, just focus on what you have to do today. Focus on tomorrow, tomorrow.

In these uncertain times, it is easy to start worrying about things that could happen months from now - I know I fall into the mental trap of worrying about what is going to happen 6, 12 months from now.

My girls, who bring me joy every day!

The problem is, I spend so much time worrying about the future, that sometimes I cannot focus on the work in front of me. But I’ve learned that if I break everything down into little steps, and say “OK – what do I have to do today?” and only focus on that - I feel in control of my life and it keeps me from worrying about a future I can’t foresee. If you focus too much on the future, you’ll lose the present.

Remember to enjoy the little moments each day. That sounds so cliché, but these days it’s really true, and so important. Try taking each day as it comes. Lately, if I catch myself saying “I’m having a bad day”, or “I’m having a bad week”, I stop myself and say “No, you’re not having a bad day/week. You had a bad moment, but you also spent time with the cats and finished up that project, and those were good moments."

Through this crazy time, I’ve learned not to generalize my feelings, and to let the roller coaster of emotions flow. I just try my best not to drown in the negative moments but focus the little things that brighten my day. The truth is, we don’t know what the future holds. We cannot control it. But we can control our emotions, and we can control what’s in front of us - so I’m choosing to live in the light and focus on today.