My children are wonderful gift givers. They are very thoughtful about the gifts they give. About a year ago, my youngest gave me a mug for my birthday which says on the side of it: “It’s a beautiful day, don’t let it get away!” I love that saying. Drinking my coffee or tea out of this mug is a nice experience because each time I reach for it I am reminded that life is too short to be in a bad mood, or be affected by my fears, or to allow my thoughts to carry me to places I really don’t want to be.
It’s a beautiful day–don’t let it get away!
How will you spend your day? Will you spend it in worry? Will you spend it ruminating over things you have no control over? Will you spend it in emotional pain, waiting for someone else to change? Will you spend it with people who put you down? What kind of choices will you make today that affect the quality of your life?
I’ve learned a lot during my life and one thing I know–no matter what you’re going through, remember to view life as a gift. Everything is a gift–even those life-altering challenges. Life is too short to take anything or anyone for granted. Those challenges you’ve been through or are going through now? Learning opportunities–that’s all they are.
How can you learn the lessons your challenges have to give to you and how do you then apply these lessons to living your best life?
What makes any day a beautiful day? The fact that you’re alive. You’ve been given another day to start over, to start something new, to learn, to do…I’m so glad you’re alive! That means at least one more day to share your gifts, talents, presence, spirit, and energy with the world.
In 2005, I lost my 25-year old brother in a tragic car accident. It was the day of his first-born son’s baby shower. Later that year, I lost my beloved grandfather who had Parkinson’s and Alzheimers. My mother passed away suddenly at the young age of 32, 6 months pregnant. Since the age of 7, when our family lost its heartbeat (my mother), I was given the gift of valuing life–every life. You never know if today is your last day. To get the most out of every day, treat it as such. Live your life! People get caught up in the most trivial stuff–stuff that can turn into divorce, war, lawsuits…it doesn’t have to be that way when you keep the big picture in mind. Life is a precious gift. Use it–or it uses you. Make the most of it! Live each day appreciating the gift you’ve been given because before you know it, your time will be up and you’ll be asking “Where’d the time go? Wait! I”m not done______________(fill in the blank). I never got to_______________!”
How can you make the most of your day? By being appreciative of your life. Of feeling grateful for all the blessings in your life. Your mind can think of lots of things to NOT be grateful for, but you always have the choice available to you to focus on the good in your life.
Here are some ideas on how to make the most of your day:
- show someone some appreciation
- do something nice for someone but remain anonymous
- go out and be in nature
- do something fun
- be kind to yourself–instead of beating yourself up in your self-talk, say something positive to yourself instead
- exercise and eat right
- learn something new
- listen/look at something inspirational
- meditate
- prepare and eat a meal with those you love
- use your best china
- spend time with the people who lift you up and don’t put you down
- use your time well
What is your definition of a day well-lived? How can you do things differently? How can you make different, more life-enhancing choices about the way you spend your time?