Home Happiness Taking One Day At A Time

Taking One Day At A Time

by Vidya Sury June 30, 2013 44 comments
Taking one day at a time

Every once in a while, I have to revisit my policy of taking one day at a time.Β  I realize it now, more than ever before. It is probably because there’s too much to do, or maybe it is the rainy weather in the evenings – but I find myself procrastinating over stuff. Just to jolt myself out of that unproductive habit, I spent less time online, hoping I would snap out of it quickly.

To manage my time better, I decided that…

…taking one day at a time

was the best thing to do. Not only does it lighten the mind – it also makes everything look more manageable. Multitasking is not always a brilliant idea. We have to take time to smell the flowers.

Sometimes, we have to slow down to keep a steady pace.

Some conscious things I did were:

  • Made a plan the night before for β€˜what I would accomplish the next day
  • Made a list of must-dos and included every little thing in it – the joy of checking off trivial things like β€œbathe” is great
  • Made a meal plan for the week and this not only kept me cool, but helped me shop groceries wisely – oh what a relief
  • Planned online activities by making a list for that, as well – spending time on social media, browsing, etc.
  • Made it a point to visit at least three blogs a day – more is overwhelming.

I also learned a very important lesson – and that is – not to postpone doing things that make me happy. This resolve was triggered by this lovely quote:

[box] We don’t need to be weekend warriorsβ€”what a waste of an opportunity if we save everything that we desperately want to do for a rainy day inside of a bucket list of dreams.[/box]

And of course, I am constantly celebrating the small things. Here is my list for this week:

  • I just bought the book β€œJust one more thing” by Peter Falk who plays Lt.Columbo in my favorite TV series Columbo. I am so excited and can’t wait to read it!

taking one day at a time peter falk

  • The arrival of July. July has always been a significant month in my life…be it a change of jobs, change of routine, change of career. And hey, I started blogging in July 2003. Imagine! Ten years of progressively connecting with the world via my keyboard. It is a good feeling.
  • The issue with my internet service provider got sorted out amicably. All is well
  • Finishing the June #FMSPhotoADay challenge on my other blog, Coffee With Mi – I participated to get back into the groove of posting there. Getting overwhelmed is fine. Realization is fine. But not taking action is not fine. So I took action.
  • In a mad moment of euphoria, I have now signed up for the Ultimate Blogging Challenge on my health blog, Your Medical Guide. There’s an echo in there, a vacuum filled by my guilt. Guilt is not an emotion I enjoy! So I did something about it. I’ve begun to warm up with a post about the nutrition powerhouse Avocados.
  • I’veΒ  also started sketching again!

My happiest moments were when I was outΒ  clicking random photos with my camera. Sometimes it is nice to just chill and do nothing. It is relaxing to move our butts away from the computer screen and see the world outside. I do a lot of that – but when there is a spurt of work, do it even more consciously.Β  It puts things in perspective.Β  Our own problems, such as they are, seem diminished in the open air. And that is the truth.

Here are some fun photos:

This tree is near my place – and takes my breath away each time I pass it, which is often. It has pink and purple flowers. So gorgeous!

taking one day at a time flowers

I bought bok choy and made stirfry. I put the shaved off bottom in a mug and it looked so much like a rose. So pretty

taking one day at a time pakchoi

I swear I saw love in this flower. What with the heart shape and all.

taking one day at a time hearts

This is Freya, my friend’s ear. I greatly admire her earrings. I am hoping to get around to getting the second ear piercing. Who knows I may do it this week!

Taking one day at a time freya

Here is someone who does not mince his words. No misunderstanding here, eh? Ha ha.

taking one day at a time notice

And here are my favorite stress-relievers: My coffee and my little squeezee. I press it and the eyes pop out. And, in my head, I hear my best friend say, β€œReally, Vidya?” And that puts an instant smile on my face.

taking one day at a time really vidya

So that’s it for the week!Β  I am gearing up to post alternate days – what do you think?

I am linking up with Unknown Mami for Sundays in my City because I enjoy travel.

Unknown Mami
…..and Viklit for Celebrate the small things – because I enjoy the small things.

Celebrate the small things

Oh, just one more thing!

It is Goodbye Google Reader from tomorrow – July 1, 2013.

I will miss it! If you used Google Reader to keep track of my blog, may I suggest you subscribe via email.

Sign up now and get updates right into your mailbox.

or

if you’d rather use a reader, the free and user-friendly Feedly is a great option – you can transfer allΒ  your feeds from Google Reader with just oneΒ  click.

No matter what you do, I want you to know that I love you and am grateful for your presence here.

Question for you:

Do you enjoy my writing and the things I write about?

What would you like to see more of?

Please let me know in the comments.

Remember

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44 comments

Christy Garrett July 1, 2013 at 12:18 am

I agree that is it important to take things one day at a time. Some days you even have to take it an hour at a time to make it through the day. I always try to live by this motto because I know that yesterday is gone and that future worries don’t get taken care of by worrying.
Christy Garrett recently posted…Barbecue Safety Tips – Keep Your Children Safe While Using the Barbecue Grill

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Vidya Sury July 4, 2013 at 1:37 pm

Christy, you are absolutely right. I am struggling to keep up with many things right now – and today, especially I am just taking an hour at a time! Hugs! Thank you for commenting.
Vidya Sury recently posted…Inspiring Stories A Life Interrupted

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Mary Stephenson July 1, 2013 at 1:32 am

Hi Vidya

Some days I think we just need to procrastinate so we can reflect on the times we are more productive. Well it seems like a good excuse and mine is not due to the rain is because of the heat. Also got thrown a roadblock in the middle of a project, so had to re-group and decide my next plan of action. “Nursing the wounds” of the setback and will get back on board but probably not as fast as I had first hoped.

Read a few more blogs and eat some ice cream. May be I just need to get back on to the online course I am taking. It should give me some charged up motivation to write another post.

Your bok choy really looks like roses and the heart shape flowers…very interesting all the love symbols.

Mary
Mary Stephenson recently posted…Contemplating The Power of Fear

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Vidya Sury July 4, 2013 at 1:40 pm

πŸ™‚ What a lovely comment, Mary. Didn’t quite think of them as love symbols! Come to think of it though, I view everything with at least an outline of love!

I do hope your project eases through quickly! Hugs! I know how that can feel. There are times when certain things happen simply because something better is along the way. May your project be more fulfilling for this temporary setback!

Yes, yes, eat that ice-cream and allow it to melt a little! What online course are you taking? I’d love to read your post about it. Take care!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Inspiring Stories A Life Interrupted

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Mary Stephenson July 4, 2013 at 9:24 pm

Actually I am taking a whole series of classes via video. Not looking for a degree so it is just a matter of interest. I stop the videos and take notes. The subject is psychology. There were a total of 465 classes and I have taken 83 so far. So it is rather a long project. They are from universities in the US. My posts have been reflecting some of what I have learned and it has definitely given me a whole new perspective of life in general.
Mary Stephenson recently posted…Contemplating The Power of Fear

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Vidya Sury July 7, 2013 at 8:08 am

How amazing, Mary! I recently enrolled for an online psychology class because I read something and found it intriguing. But I’ve slacked off – probably because the lessons are delivered into my mailbox :-(. Hugs! I loved your post on fear.
Vidya Sury recently posted…Inspiring Stories A Life Interrupted

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Keetha July 1, 2013 at 2:52 am

1) Your photos are always so colorful!

2) I simply cannot multi-task.
Keetha recently posted…Billows Roll in My City

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Vidya Sury July 4, 2013 at 1:41 pm

Oh Keetha, I was under the illusion I could multi-task. It seems I don’t enjoy it any more. Sometimes I just feel like slowing down!

It is a good thing I live where I live. πŸ˜€ I love the colors too!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Inspiring Stories A Life Interrupted

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Betsy/Zen Mama July 1, 2013 at 3:06 am

Vidya,
I do enjoy your writing!! πŸ™‚ I like your advice taking one day at a time. I hope you enjoy the Peter Falk book. It looks great. I also enjoyed your pictures as always! I’ll be linking up with Unknown Mami next week.
xoxo
Betsy
Betsy/Zen Mama recently posted…The Fine Mingling of Holding On and Letting Go

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Vidya Sury July 4, 2013 at 1:42 pm

Thank you, dear Betsy! The book is superb! It always feels wonderful when we have an impression of a character an actor portrays and then find that they are remarkably likeable in real life too! πŸ˜€ Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Parenting Teenagers With Love And Logic

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Elle July 1, 2013 at 7:00 am

Oh Vidya, you’re speaking to my heart. Multi tasking wears us out, shuts us off from our higher levels of awareness and interferes with being our best selves. And yes, knowing this, I still get caught up in it. πŸ™‚

You remind me of what really matters and your pics always lift my spirits even higher.

xoxo
Elle
Elle recently posted…Smart Ways To Beat Your Manifesting Blocks

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Vidya Sury July 4, 2013 at 1:43 pm

I used to revel in multi-tasking, Elle. These days I feel fatigued – I just don’t want to be over-efficient some days πŸ˜€ I am learning to goof off.

I loved your post about awareness – its the truth! Glad you enjoyed the photos!Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Inspiring Stories A Life Interrupted

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Cathy Taughinbaugh July 1, 2013 at 8:37 am

One day at a time helps me as well. Things seems more manageable that way. No task is too difficult if it is only something to be done at the moment or during one day. I know I can handle it. Thanks as always for the fun photos!! Take care.
Cathy Taughinbaugh recently posted…Wellness and Addiction Recovery Care: Meet Dr. Herby Bell

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Vidya Sury July 4, 2013 at 1:44 pm

You are right, Cathy. Things are definitely manageable one at a time. Otherwise we can’t seem to do justice to everything.

Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Celebrate The Small Things In Life

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Rahul July 1, 2013 at 1:20 pm

Doing things that one loves to do is so enjoyable and this can be seen in the lovely captures, Vidya:)

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Vidya Sury July 4, 2013 at 1:45 pm

Thank you, Rahul! Left to myself, I’d be roaming the streets all day taking pictures! πŸ˜€
Vidya Sury recently posted…Inspiring Stories A Life Interrupted

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Bhavya July 1, 2013 at 2:02 pm

I love what you write Vidya. And I have loads to learn from you.. the simple joys you find in everything, the way you live every moment and how you spread your happiness and enthusiasm.

And congratulations on completing 10 years of blogging. You are doing a mind blowing job πŸ™‚
Bhavya recently posted…Choice

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Vidya Sury July 4, 2013 at 1:46 pm

Thanks for your kind words, Bhavya. It feels really good. But most of all, I am grateful for the wonderful people I’ve met. Like you!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Inspiring Stories A Life Interrupted

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Diana Pinto July 1, 2013 at 3:50 pm

Yes, I love the way you write Vidya. The best thing about your posts are they are very informative. I also like the idea of putting the small quotes at the bottom. I enjoy your posts on health, so I would love some more posts on this topic.

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Vidya Sury July 4, 2013 at 1:49 pm

Thank you, Diana. I can never get away from adding useful info in the post. πŸ˜€

I have some posts planned around health. Also,for the Ultimate blogging Challenge, I am participating via my health blog, Your Medical Guide which I’ve neglected for a while. Not sure if I’ll end up posting daily, but definitely on alternate days. Hope you’ll visit.
Vidya Sury recently posted…Inspiring Stories A Life Interrupted

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Pixie July 1, 2013 at 7:41 pm

I love your writing!! πŸ™‚
And yes, I prefer to take it One Day At A Time too!!
Those pics are lovely! πŸ™‚

And Sending you lots and lots of hugs!! πŸ™‚
Pixie recently posted…Still here!

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Vidya Sury July 4, 2013 at 1:51 pm

Thank you Pixie! Hugs right back atcha!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Inspiring Stories A Life Interrupted

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Debbie July 1, 2013 at 8:10 pm

I do completley agree with you. Take it one day at a time and enjoy every minute of it.

Life is short and this is a must. When i have things in my day that I need to do and don’t really want to do, I think back to when my father was losing his health little at a time. Knowing that there was many things he wished he could still do.

This makes me grateful that I can hop out of that bed and take care of life and enjoy every day.

When it comes to your blog, i always enjoy your pictures and how you make us stop and think and help us be gratful for what life has to offer.

By the way I love the first picture of the tree it is beautiful.

Thank you for sharing it and keep up the great work.
Hugs,
Debbie
Debbie recently posted…Parent Alert: Who Is Really Raising Your Kids?

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Vidya Sury July 4, 2013 at 1:55 pm

Debbie! Thank you! That tree takes my breath away for the entire time it flowers – which is a couple of months during this time of year. It especially looks fabulous in the twilight with its double-colored flowers.

In fact, I learned to take it by the day, sometimes by the hour when my Mom was sick – she would always be so cheerful in spite of pain. And she would make it a point to express gratitude for each moment of happiness. Sometimes, things get so overwhelming and it is hard to see for the haze before our mind. πŸ™‚ Sharing it with you all makes it all so much better for me! Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Inspiring Stories A Life Interrupted

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Emily July 2, 2013 at 12:42 am

I love your outlook. I usually let myself look too far into the future and then I start to worry and it all gets overwhelming. I’m going to start reminding myself to take it one day at a time more often. It’s good to set boundaries for ourselves. (And three cheers for checking ordinary things off the to-do list. It’s so satisfying!)
Emily recently posted…Clouds

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Vidya Sury July 4, 2013 at 1:57 pm

πŸ™‚ Emily, I can see you already do that on your blog. Such a delight for me to visit. Worrying really doesn’t get us anywhere – at least prolonged worrying! Watching my son tackle his busy day calms me down in a strange way, because he’s so cheerful about it.

And yes, I just checked off “trim nails” from my list! πŸ˜€
Vidya Sury recently posted…Inspiring Stories A Life Interrupted

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Suzie Cheel July 2, 2013 at 1:42 am

Wow so insync Vidya, yes when I do one thing at a time life flows and i feel more complete.
I also signed up to do the blog challenge- now i feel I will do it just to keep me on track to do 2 posts a week.
Thanks for the inspiring post
namaste
Suzie Cheel recently posted…Do You Say Yes To Your Miraculous You?

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Vidya Sury July 4, 2013 at 1:59 pm

Suzie – hugs! your words are always uplifting! Two days into the challenge and something urgent has come up at work – so I think I’ll follow your lead and stick to 2, max. 3 posts a week on my health blog. I didn’t commit this blog because I’ve already planned posts for this. πŸ˜€

I look forward to reading your posts there.

Love you!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Celebrate The Small Things In Life

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Barbara July 2, 2013 at 3:49 pm

Hi Vidya, bear hugs! You know I love your writing and especially reminding me to be mindful of the small happy things in my daily life and which I often walk by without noticing.
My, you are busy and I think I have a full cup!
Thanks for sharing your heart in words and pictures
Barbara xoxo
Barbara recently posted…Some Circus And More

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Vidya Sury July 4, 2013 at 1:30 pm

Bear hugs right back at you, Barbara! The funny thing is, the more I take on, the more I want. And I love it! Some day we’ll sit together and laugh over cup of fragrant herbal tea. πŸ˜€
Vidya Sury recently posted…Inspiring Stories A Life Interrupted

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Barbara July 4, 2013 at 6:19 pm

LOL, but this is the way it works! The more we create, the more we are able to create, works the other way round too, unfortunately!

And yes to those cups of fragrant herbal tea or maybe a spicy lassi?
Bear hugs, Barbara
Barbara recently posted…The End Of A Season

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Roshni July 4, 2013 at 8:07 am

you always manage to put a smile on my face when I visit your blog! You’re so well planned, Vidya, it’s just awesome!
Roshni recently posted…I really don’t want this Monday to come!

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Vidya Sury July 4, 2013 at 11:16 am

Hugs, Roshni! What a lovely thing to say!

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Afshan July 4, 2013 at 12:49 pm

Inspiring as always Vidya !
Ur pics speak 1000 words and that stress reliever eyes popping out is so cool πŸ™‚ haha
Your planner for sure is tempting
Hope I make such plans
Good lunch with UBC

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Afshan July 4, 2013 at 12:50 pm

I meant good luck
Damn the typos πŸ™‚
But I know u will have a feast with the blogging challenges
Hugs !

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Vidya Sury July 4, 2013 at 1:21 pm

Hehehe. Afshan. Seeing it is lunch time… naturally you thought of lunch before luck!

Thanks for your wishes. I am already overwhelmed by the UBC. πŸ˜€ Hugs!

I love that stress reliever thingy! πŸ˜€
Vidya Sury recently posted…Inspiring Stories A Life Interrupted

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Suzy July 5, 2013 at 8:42 am

Vidya, I love your Coffee with Mi blog and enjoyed your conversations for each day of June. Hope to read more there. I have actually stopped planning my life, my day, my moment. I live spontaneously a moment at a time and I think blobbing out now and then is happiness.
Suzy recently posted…The Time Traveller

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Vidya Sury July 7, 2013 at 8:13 am

Thank you, Suzy!Spontaneity is very rewarding, as I’ve come to realize over the past few years. πŸ™‚
Vidya Sury recently posted…Inspiring Stories A Life Interrupted

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vanita July 6, 2013 at 12:55 am

i saw your squeezee and i thought “really, sis?” and then read that you have a bestie that thinks the same way. see? i’m not the only one. lol. it is super cute. i love how your days are so filled with more than i can accomplish in a week. i’d love to see more pictures. also, i’d love to see you add a gallery of all your pictures. hmmm, gotta go look for a plugin for that.
vanita recently posted…Stop Screwing Your Blog Traffic When Guest Posting

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Vidya Sury July 7, 2013 at 8:15 am

You’re my bestie too. And I love it when you call me creep! πŸ˜€ Yes, you mentioned the gallery once before. That would be nice! So many miles to go before we sleep! Hugs. Love ya!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Inspiring Stories A Life Interrupted

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My Inner Chick July 7, 2013 at 4:17 am

ahhhhhhhhhh, that deep purple tree. It takes my breath away, too.
And I LOVE that you see LOVE in that flower.
That is so very Vidya of you.
Love you more than purple flowers. xxxxxxx

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Vidya Sury July 7, 2013 at 8:16 am

Now some of those flowers have begun to turn pinkish but the ones at the top continue to be that beautiful shade of purple, Kim. Truly gorgeous. Hugs! Love you more than the entire garden of those red heart shaped groups of flowers!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Inspiring Stories A Life Interrupted

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Custom Cakes in Pune July 9, 2013 at 11:31 am

Nice reading, thanks for sharing this.

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Christopher James July 28, 2013 at 10:29 am

You know what they say, “Slow and steady wins the race.” So don’t be afraid to take one step at a time.

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