Today is the First Day

Scan of a polaroid photo taken at Squam by Mommijune

Yesterday was my birthday. A quiet Sunday spent at home watching back-to-back episodes of Walking Dead while making a mess of my kitchen with dyeing (I didn't go to the studio so I could stay home with Nate). It's nice that Squam and my birthday were so close together, because its gave this whole month a feeling of "new beginnings" and a shifting mindset.

Photo of the wish tree from Squam by West of Whimsy

One night at Squam, we had a presentation with author Maya Stein. She shared stories and photos of her experiences as she worked on her book, Type Rider. A particular image stuck with me: a photo of her typewriter, with a piece of paper in it. Typed on it was one of the writing prompts she used for her project. I don't remember the whole prompt, but I will always remember two lines: "Today is first the day. Today is the first the day."

Photo from Squam by MeeganZ

I am a planner and a list-maker. I like knowing what is coming, and I tend to have my schedule booked months in advance. Having a small handmade business has only reinforced this part of my personality. But being at Squam forced me to be present. I wasn't worrying about what would happen the next day, the following week, or the next month; and there was a sense of peace that came with this feeling of being present. I find the phrase, "today is the first day" to be empowering (even if my cynical side cringes a little at that word). It can be a commitment to do something - "today is the first day of x" or simply an affirmation: Today is the first day.

So what does this have to do with my birthday? Here is to a new year, a year of learning to be present in the present and not losing sight of today because of the future.

Today is the first day.