“One day or day one. You decide.”
Looking back, it is easy to see that life is full of “first days.”
My first day of high school.
My first day being married.
My first day being a parent.
My first day living in Arizona.
My first day of being a full-time writer.
There are a countless number of first days that I could list. And they come in all different shapes and sizes.
For example:
- Some first days are big, like the first day of being married. But others are small, such as the first day of a diet or the first day of a new workout routine.
- Some first days are expected and we see them coming, like the first day in a new job. But some are incredibly unexpected, such as the first day after suddenly losing a loved one, or the first day after discovering someone we love has cancer.
- Some first days affect us for the rest of our lives, while others are trivial and quickly forgotten.
No matter how you look at it, life is full of first days.
And maybe that is exactly the good news you need to hear today.
Because life is full of first days, today can be the first day you need it to be.
- Are you struggling with an addiction? Maybe today is the first day you ask for help.
- Are you caught in a spiral of overspending and debt? Maybe today is the first day you decide to get help and change your spending habits.
- Are you living in an abusive relationship? Maybe today is the first day you decide to get out once and for all.
- Is your potential in life being hindered by an unhealthy habit? Maybe today is the first day you decide to replace it with something healthy.
- Has unforgiveness and resentment taken root in your life? Maybe today is the first day you take a step to reconcile that relationship.
The opportunities for experiencing a new first day are all around us.
- Have you been a neglectful father? Maybe today is the first day you decide to make amends and make it right.
- Do you have a passion for a new career? Maybe today is the first day you start taking steps toward it.
- Have you been reading about minimalism for months, but never began applying the principles to your life? Maybe today is the first day you decide to fully embrace it.
There are some people who fear the reality that life is constantly changing. But positive change is never to be feared—it is to be welcomed and celebrated.
What is the change needed in your life today? What is the first day you’ve been waiting so long to experience in your life?
Go, make it so. There’s no better day than today. And there’s no better time than right now.
About Joshua Becker
It’s funny, I’ve often thought about what I’ve come to write about as “The Lasts”, after moving over 2200km three times in my life. And while I was so excited about the adventure ahead, I never considered “the Firsts” I’d be experiencing.
Perspective is a funny thing.
I liked your article. I can’t remember my first day in high school but I certainly remember my first day being married and my first day as a parent. Both great days!
Hi Vicki,
You are not alone, & what I have learned over the years is to start small & pace yourself. Maybe start with one closet or even one drawer. When you start to see progress & some clarity it will all come together. Just remember not to be too hard on yourself, and take care of yourself in the process. You are not alone.
“Are you living in an abusive relationship? Maybe today is the first day you decide to get out once and for all.”
Yes yes yes, one year and 6 months ago I left him.
He was a good to love and amazing friend, until his mask slipped and I was used. I’ve lost money and was house-poor because he got everything. It was my first day of happiness and freedom!
Maybe it’s tome for another first day!
I just don’t even know where to start. It get very overwhelming and then nothing gets started.
Vicky, maybe you could write the areas you want to change down and number them (1 bedroom clutter, 2 breakfast routine, 3 start yoga, …). Then roll a die and do one thing about that. It doesn‘t matter if it‘s the least pressing, as long as you start. Good luck!
I always enjoy your insights.
Procrastinating should have been my middle name.
I’m always excited about starting something difficult at some date soon.
When the date comes, enthusiasm has waned somewhat.
Maybe tomorrow………..
Deborah,
Two books I have recommended before that were the catalyst for me to really change (although I have always been a second hand rose & loved simplicity). Duane Elgin “Voluntary Simplicity” & Cecile Andrews “The Circle of Simplicity”
Those of us who embrace these philosophies of Simple Living, Frugalism & Sustainable Living are gaining strength as awareness shifts from mindless consumerism to thoughtful living. It might mean stepping out of your comfort zone but in the long run it is worth it.
Such a great reminder! Today is the best day to start whatever you have always wanted to start. I want to start spending less time on the computer. There is always one more thing to do, one more bill to pay, one more social media to check, and one more email to respond. Today is the first day of spending one hour less online.
Well, its my first day. I want to do this. My kitchen is the first room. Hum, omg i have 4 dollar Turkey platters.
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I’ve been minimalizing for a few years now, and this article made me realize, for the first time, how much progress I’ve made. So it’s my first day of really enjoying what I’ve been doing and the progress I’m making. (Always room for more progress and fewer possessions;-)
So well written, thank you. The first day of my Dad’s stage 4 cancer diagnosis was a first day like no other, still etched in my mind & heart so clearly, a “big” first in a very bad way. Some first days we wished never happened; and some first days we wouldn’t be here without. I appreciate your articles.
Today is my first day waking up to having three rooms clutterfree, with a third in progress! I downloaded your app on Saturday figuring “what do I have to lose – if it isn’t helping, I’ll cancel it”. That was the first day of changing the rest of my life – I’m so excited for the future now! I still have a long way to go, but with the app guiding my steps in tackling all of this “stuff”, I feel like I can actually accomplish this for the first time. I am one of those people who doesn’t ever know where to begin. The Clutterfree app is an answer to my prayer for guidance in this process. After 20+ years of accumulation and having “inherited” from four relatives in some way or another, we have a house that seems to be bursting at the seams. For anyone reading this and feeling overwhelmed: TRY IT! You have time to figure out if it works for you. It will be well worth the price for me. I would have rolled my eyes and shaken my head if I’d read this review before using Clutterfree, but I now have a sense of confidence I have never before had about seeing the end of this process. For me, it’s a small price to pay for a (remaining) lifetime of peace of mind.
Sorry so long, but I needed to share. My husband has already had an earful! 😊
Dear Johnathan,
I really enjoy reading the articles that you post and I find the material that you write about to be very inspiring
Thank you,
Shelly
Spending makes me happy but I’m spending to much. I’m at a loss most days never finishing anything I start. Tv and my bed have become my best friends. My husband has become someone who is just here. He has had a stroke but fully recovered except he seems distance from me
Hello Deborah, I hear you. Sometimes getting up and breathing are projects that fill your day…
Try to talk to your husband. Maybe the problem is psychological or medical (on his or your side) and then you can get help.
Spending doesn‘t make you happy, and you say so yourself: „i‘m spending too much“ – nobody ever said „i‘m having too much fun“. You like the thrill of something new, like most of us. Try the thrill of something non-material-new (like watching the sun rise or stretching when you get up.
Good luck and blessings!
“One day or day one. You decide.”
I love that quote! I choose Day One!
I really love that quote too! It struck a cord with me.
Great article!
Beautifully written! ❤️
Can’t get started going nothing