*This blog post is in partnership with Responsival! All opinions are my own, may contain affiliate links.
Life is precious…This is one realization that was very evident to me most especially in the last couple of years. When pandemic hit, everything around us changed-routines, schedules, our lifestyle in general. It never occurred to me that in just one snap of a finger our life can actually turn 360 degrees. I’ve lost a few friends, some family and a lot of acquaintances due to Covid. I lost my Dad too last year though not because of Covid but I know the quarantine has contributed and taken a toll on his health. It dawned on me that our presence here on earth is very vulnerable.
“Live everyday as if it is your last..”
As such, more than ever, I want to make everyday a special day. What makes a simple day extraordinary? It’s not always the extra special, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Our life’s too short to only wait for those. Making our day special doesn’t rely not only on extraordinary events like travels, promotions, special events. Waking up everyday is already a blessing. Find whatever makes you feel beautiful, comfortable, and confident. It may be wearing your precious diamond rings or your vintage watch which has long been stuck away in your jewelry box. Do not wait for parties or even retirement to enjoy the simple pleasures. After all, our life is as unique and special as we make it.
Have a proper dinner and time with your family
No rushed TV dinners, instead spend time with your loved ones. Buy fresh groceries, cook together, make your favorite recipe or try a new one, eat together, have a great discussion – or just eat out if cooking is not your thing and if you have the budget. Talk and laugh with your family, share jokes with your kids and flirt with your husband. Always be more mindful of the small and simple joys of life.
Stop taking everything for granted
The problem is we often only realize how valuable something is, if it’s gone. A very simple example: health. Do we actually think about and appreciate how miraculous it is that our body can function well most of the time? No, we only appreciate it if we are sick. Be the type of person who appreciates things like our health, a relaxing weekend day, the early morning sunshine, freshly-washed sheets, a good coffee, a task well done, a hug.
A better approach is to appreciate how even seemingly small joys can make a whole day special. Capture the day, seize the moment!
Appreciate The Little Things
Be more mindful of the small joys of life. Huge, magical things don’t have to happen for life to be special. Learn how to appreciate the little things. Notice things that would pass you by in everyday life. Pay attention to the sounds, smells, and sights that you probably ignore every day. If you don’t look for magic in the ordinary, you won’t find it. Believe it’s there, believe you will find it, and you will. Be (more) like those people who always find the sunny side of things.
Make Gratitude Lists
Making gratitude lists can help you to start and finish the day off right. Try to think of 5 unique things every day. It may be hard at first, but you can find plenty to be grateful for. Take a minute every day to write down what you’re thankful for — big or small. You will find out that you will come up with more than just five things, and will be listing more. It’s easy to vent about weather, traffic, or job woes, but complaining brings negative energy along with it. Being thankful for what you have can make you appreciate all the positives in your life.
The more grateful you are for what you have, the more you’ll have to be grateful for. Even if you have had bad experiences during the day you’ll eventually retrain your brain to find the positives in every day without having to think too hard.
Do Random Acts of Kindness
Random acts of kindness feel great, and they can be a lot of fun. Every day we encounter opportunities to help someone out, yet a lot of times we stop ourselves short because of our own ego, i.e. thinking: What will they think? Dump that thought and do it anyways! Maybe you can help an elderly person with his or her groceries to the car, maybe you can ship someone a book by surprise or smile and compliment a stranger. You could give money to charity, leave inspiring quotes dotted around town, and pay it forward in your local coffee shop, the list goes on and on. It doesn’t have to be a huge gesture or anything expensive – just do something kind for somebody else.
Let Love lead
We can’t control of what people will say about us, and at some point, conflicts may arise-may be your roommate, a co-worker, someone gossiping or a fight about politics online or on social media. When you feel triggered, rise above and fight negativity with love and kindness, you will feel amazing for being in control of your emotions and the other person will soon regret anything that was said, even if they don’t admit it.
Appreciate how even seemingly small joys can make a whole day special. To slow down a little, and appreciate what we do, what we have.
Make. Everyday. A Special. Day.