How to appreciate each day
It is easy sometimes to act as if we will live forever. Our own mortality is not exactly a cheerful subject and the thought of the end-of-life is a scary one. But the beauty in remembering the finite nature of life is that we hopefully appreciate and fully engage in the moments we experience. I know that I’m guilty of wishing my life away and of looking back and wonder whether time has gone. I went to a funeral today and that always brings it home how we should make the most of each day.
Here are a few tips on how to appreciate each day:
1) Wear your favourite perfume or cologne
What are you waiting for? Each and every day is special so use your favourite products every day. Don’t save your favourite items for a special day in the future. Enjoy it now and revel in the thrill of using it right now.
2) Say what you feel
If you are feeling soppy and want to tell someone your thoughts… Don’t hesitate. There is no time like the present. Don’t live a life full of regret-rather feel slightly embarrassed and wonder “what if”. The
3) Get out of your comfort zone
Try something new as often as possible, it’s a great way to feel alive. Often, I don’t enjoy being out of my comfort zone as I do not feel safe and can often feel slightly anxious. The upside to this is the tremendous sense of pride that I feel when I have pushed myself to do something that I feared-no matter how small. You don’t have to try big things every day, just a small thing now and then to show that you are progressing in the right direction. The more you push yourself out of your comfort zone the more confidence you will have.
4) Slow down
Take the time to slow down and really be in the moment. Really listen to the person you’re with and put away your phone and any other distractions. Engage your senses. The more we are fully in the moment the slower the time passes. Limit your wayward thoughts about tomorrow or the day after and emerge yourself into the present experience that you’re having. It’s a tough task slowing down our busy brains. Train yourself to try and focus on one thing at a time for at least an hour every day. Whether that is meditating, watching a movie or reading a book or spending time with someone.
5) Have short-term and long-term goals
A sense of purpose is a good way to keep focused on where you are going in your life. Instead of mindless rushing about, short and long-term goals can keep us focused on what is important and worthwhile for us personally.
6) Take time for special people
Make time for the important people in your life. Spending time with friends and family is where it’s at. Connect with those around you and be open and honest about life. Treat each person as if they are the most important person in the world and if you may never see them again.
7) Forgive and don’t hold grudges
It takes emotional energy to be mad at someone and it saps the joy from the moment. Clear the slate of negative energy. Either make amends with the other person or find a healthy way to be at peace with the situation.
8) Appreciate the small things
Don’t expect much and keep a childlike wonder about the world with you at all times.Notice beauty and kindness wherever you go -when you look for it you will see it in abundance.
Life is fleeting and it seems to be speeding up at a rapid pace. It is so easy to be distracted and diverted from what is really important. Appreciating the present moment involves detaching from the future and enjoying what is going on in your life right now, today. You can’t rewind and do it again, life is not a dress rehearsal. Live a life with integrity and don’t be afraid to tell people how much they mean to you.Don’t procrastinate, be brave and seize the day.
Happiness emerges most when you are ‘present’ in your life – that fleeting feeling of contentment. Happiness isn’t something to be pursued, rather it happens upon you when you are fully engaged with your surroundings in an appreciative way.
Mandy X
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
