simple smiles: learning from life

Sometimes in life, there are days when things just aren’t going your way, when more bad than good seems to happen in a week or the month is speckled with sad news. And then suddenly, someone says something or does something that just hits you the right way and changes your outlook on the way you see the world. After a few days of feeling down this week, I received the perfect email pick me up from my sister. Whether she knew it or not, the email she sent seemed to reach me at just the right time, when I needed someone to remind me that life is full of wonderful reasons to embrace all that I have been lucky enough to experience. The email was a simple list that has probably made it’s way around the Internet for years and for whatever reason, made it’s way to me at just the right time. The list contains simple life lessons from a lady named Regina Brett who wrote the list as she approached her 45th birthday (…and not 90th birthday as is rumoured!...because she’d be looking pretty darn good for a 90 year old!). While so many of her personal life lessons really rang true, there was one that I’ve heard over and over but seemed like the right kind of reminder this time around.
“Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.” Such simple words but all too often and all too easily ignored. I can definitely admit that I’m guilty of holding on to a nice shirt or waiting to wear that new dress. I save treats until the time is right. I’ve got the good duvet safely in the closet. But it’s something that I think I should consciously change. Because really, what’s wrong with today? Why isn’t today special enough to take myself out for dessert or pull out that pretty purse? I don’t think I’ll be putting on my party dress to clean the bathroom by any means but I think the lesson I’m learning is that I’ve got to make the most of what I’ve got. Everyday is something to be celebrated and if I buy some nice candles, why not burn them? If I’ve got good things in my life, why not use them? Company shouldn’t be the only reason to get out the good towels! Of course I’m still going to get excited over surprise nights out, romantic dinners or pretty presents…but getting excited that every day is a new chance to experience all that I’m lucky enough to have is a life lesson that I hope I never forget. So treat yourself tonight. Pull out the china. Wear your expensive accessories. Make today the right time because today really is special.

What do you save for a special occasion? Any advice for embracing each day?