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With a remarkably simple method, Low Entropy Volunteer Writer Christie Gan nurtures optimism for each oncoming day.

 

Time is money.

 

Each and every second counts. I’ve been there, whether I’m rushing an assignment the night before it’s due, fulfilling customer orders at a cafe, trying to motivate a child I tutor to finish an essay before I leave or hurrying to meet a friend on time when she lives more than an hour away (her time is money, too).

 

However, despite the hustle of each day, I don’t wake up ready to get things done. Instead, I stay in bed and stare at the ceiling.

 

Each day is like a new song to me. But before it begins to play, I press pause.

 

Why?

 

As I’ve gotten older, constantly racing against the clock has taken its toll on me. While trying to balance my studies, work, social life, extracurriculars and health, at least two of these things have suffered on rotation. I’ve learned to accept things like grades that fall short of my expectations, lost sleep and friends who become frustrated with me for not making enough time for them. I push forward regardless, but . . . 

 

I’m human. 

 

I get tired when I don’t rest, which is what happens most days. I’m human, but I feel more robotic than ever when I work nonstop. Sometimes, I just want to do nothing.

 

Do I have the time to do nothing?

 

No. 

 

But I make time. I don’t have the time to do nothing during the day, so I make time before it happens. (I would say that sleep is that time for doing nothing, but even in my sleep, I tend to dream about my responsibilities.)

 

Those five, 10 and sometimes even 30 minutes in bed are often the only morsels of time I get to just breathe. I know what’s in store; it’s all in my head the night before, minutes before my head hits my pillow. It’s always something along the lines of this: 

 

“Okay, tomorrow, I’ve got a psychology exam and my contemporary art project presentation . . . I have to study for my other psychology exam, but I have to finish those research assistant applications too . . . oh, right, I’ll have to drag myself to the opening cafe shift first thing in the morning. I should really call Sarah, we’ve barely been able to talk for the past two weeks. But my parents are probably going to call me so I won’t be able to talk to her, will I? Oh well, guess I have to disappoint her again. And isn’t my essay due tomorrow too? I mean, I know it’s done but I’m way over the word limit.”

 

I sigh deeply, knock out, and then the reminder that there’s a tornado of activity to come hurtles at me the moment I peel my eyes open the next morning (or, to be more accurate, the same morning — I’m a certified night owl). It’s definitely a “Honey, you’ve got a big storm coming” moment.

 

It would probably be best for me to get the day started after five to 10 minutes of being awake, especially when there’s so much to do. But I stay snuggled under the covers, having a staring match with an expanse of white blanket hovering above me . . . and I stop thinking.

 

I stop thinking about what I have to do.

 

What does that do for me?

 

It helps reset my mind. (As I mentioned, my dreams are unfortunately haunted by my life obligations, so sleep doesn’t do this for me.)

 

What do I get out of this?

 

A few minutes into not thinking, I let my mind drift to possible scenarios that could unfold during my day. Not what could go wrong, but nice things that might happen.

 

I imagine things like snacking on a free scone behind the cafe counter, a friend laughing at a joke I make on the way to class or feeling relieved for answering every question at the end of my exam. 

 

When these scenarios play out in my head, my lips curl into a genuine grin and my heart fills with warmth, anticipation and excitement. By the time my second alarm goes off, I’m ready.

 

I’m ready because now, I’m looking forward to these little moments that will get me through the day.

 

I’m ready because even if only one positive thing happens, I’ll notice and make the most of it. People say it’s bad to have your head in the clouds all the time, but if I let it happen for just a few minutes, I imagine moments I can find joy in. Now I have focused my mind to pay attention to the little things, be it a smile from a customer or the warmth of the sun on my skin. 

 

Even if things don’t go perfectly, there’ll be something to be happy about. I know it’ll be okay.

 

Now I press play, and my day begins.

 

Time is money, but life is too short for us to forget we’re only human. Before the day begins, you might want to pause and breathe, even if just for a while. Imagine all these moments, no matter how small, that you can find joy in during your day, and start your day with a fresh, optimistic mind. I hope you find this just as rewarding as I do.

 

What joyful moments have you experienced recently? Let us know in the comments below, or weave it into a dialogue with other positive folks on the Low Entropy community platform!