The beauty of a new day is that it can be a new start. Maybe even a “do-over”. So, if that’s true, then a new day is full of opportunity. It’s a chance to make things right, to try something new, to see things a new way, to let something go or to just be grateful for what is. We could also see a new day as a reminder of all the choices we do not have. It is a choice to see abundance and a choice to see lack and what we decide to focus on is typically related to how much fear we invite into our daily thoughts. When in fear, we try to take charge of what is not controllable to alleviate our worries of what could be. We participate in this exercise of futility even though we know that what lies ahead is out of our hands. It’s tiring, stress-inducing and leaves us on edge. Breaking this habit is a life-long endeavor because we want those we love and the world to be safe. Change can be hard too. But if we take a cue from nature and women, new life and change is born everyday despite uncertainty – it always has and always will be. Whenever anything is born, renewal is certain and so is opportunity. Stand in that corner when thinking of what could be. Let go of the habit of trying to control future outcomes so you can focus on what is happening right now. Allowing life to unfold and accepting change means we stand with open arms alert to all the opportunity that each moment of renewal sends our way. Imagine it raining down on you now.

Staying present allows us to feel less controlled by our environment when we notice “what is”. And “what is”, is always changing. Some changes bring about pain and loss. But knowing each day starts a new moment, we can be certain that our pain will lessen and calluses will develop. Renewal shows us that opportunities will arise, dots will connect and new paths will light up just for us. We can always look back in time to see how things unfolded and connected but have never been able to predict our stories. Change and uncertainty mean that every experience we have will always be different and worthy if we choose to see it this way. When circumstances change, something new happens. Staying present allows us to notice the newness and see more good, more opportunity. Choose to step into the river of light from the Divine which is always in constant motion just like the water here on earth. To refresh and renew, we have to swim in changing currents and tides because that’s how we learn to see the world in new ways. That thought may evoke fear or sound like a blessing. It may heighten worry or invite excitement about adventures that await. Choosing your mindset about what might be is a tool that could assist you in your quest to stay present or force you to burrow under blankets.

Can you trust that where you are now is where you are meant to be? Do you believe there are an infinite amount of possibilities that swim in the ever-changing river of uncertainty? Because if you submerge yourself in these thoughts, uncertainty becomes more like a friend waiting in anticipation for your arrival. Control is elusive but dreams stay alive in your mind if you see life as delivering unexpected paths, doorways and people to place their hands on your back. Dreams of what may be can only occur if you take chances, say “Yes!” more than “No!”, and ride in your boat with the sail up trusting that the changing winds will steer you on your next course. You still need to navigate at times, utilize your rudder to stay on course and be inspired by the other boats that float along with you. Winds will whip, rough water will toss you around a bit, but just hold on, stay focused on what is happening right now and trust that beautiful, calmer water is ahead. Embracing uncertainty is not for the weak because every time you try something new and sail into a different waterway, the cycle of discomfort will repeat. Put your trust in the Divine, your capabilities to do hard things and the people who support you along the way. This is how you become captain of you own vessel growing wiser and appreciative of all that awaits you on distant, unknown shores.

Stay in the moment savoring all the beauty around you, be in awe of all you know, all you’ve learned and don’t let your need to think on future events steal the joy of what is right now. Keep track in your navigational notes of all the moments for which you are grateful. Re-visit what you’ve noted as a as a reminder that uncertainty can be OK when you forget that lesson from time to time. Plan for rough sailing but don’t let that stop you. Close your eyes, lift your face to the sun and try to find contentment in letting go of something that you could never hold in your hand or change no matter how hard you try. Trust in the universe, your compass of truth and the winds of change where miracles and opportunity wait just for you.

Questions/activities to ponder or good journal prompts!

1. Do you have the habit of trying to control future outcomes? Why or why not?
2. Are you able to recall a moment when opportunity “rained down on you” at some point in your life? Looking back, connect the dots and recall the series of events.
3. Recall a new experience that made you see things differently or broadened your perspective. What was the event and why did it bring about a change in you?
4. Have you ever put your sail up and let the wind take you someplace new? If so, what feelings were evident during your travels and why? If not, what would it take for you to let go of the need to always steer your own ship?
5. It’s common for us to miss out on joy because we are not in the now. Develop a practice to steer yourself back to the present. Record some ideas as to how you plan to do so.