As readers of my blog know, I have deemed this as my year of healing after a tumultuous few years. Last week I made a deal with myself. I listed three non-negotiable things I must do every day to help me along this path.
Make a list of three non-negotiable things you must do every single day.
And you know what? So far, it’s working. I feel calmer, more centered, and yes, happier. I encourage every one of you to do the same thing.
My sister, Joanie, sold her house recently and is staying with me while she looks for new digs. She saw me writing this blog and asked what the subject was going to be.
When I told her, she said, “Just three things?”
Yup, just three. It’s tempting to list 10 things you should do every day, but so as not to put pressure on yourself, I suggest you start with just three as well. Everyone’s list will be different.
For example, Jim Valvano, the passionate and committed former basketball coach Jim Valvano who in the fight of his life against cancer, stated: “To me there are three things everyone should do every day. Number one is laugh. Number two is think — spend some time in thought. Number three, you should have your emotions move you to tears. If you laugh, think and cry, that’s a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you’re going to have something special.”
I like that list.
There’s nothing revolutionary or new on my list, just three simple things that provide an anchor for me. Three things that help me focus on myself, which often gets lost in the hustle and bustle and stresses of life. Three basic needs that help me get through a bad day.
Mind you, I was doing all three of these things before, but not every single day. What are the three? Not in order of importance, but for me they are:
Exercise.
Yes, I was exercising, but not every single day. Even if it’s only 15 minutes – I do something. I’m not talking running a marathon or deep squats. I get bored easily, so I rotate activities. Some days I go to the park and walk. Afterwards, I lift weights at the city gym (I joined for $25 a year – what a deal!). Other days, I do a 20-minute Windsor Pilates routine that relaxes me from YouTube. Most days, my dog sits by my shoes in the closet begging me with his sad eyes and guilts me into taking him for a walk.
Read something spiritual and inspirational.
Once again, I am a regular Bible reader. The religion I belong to provides a daily text with a scriptural thought that I read in the mornings, a suggested Bible reading each week which we review at a midweek meeting, and a convenient online Bible and library I can access on all my mobile devices. Even so, admittedly I’d become sidetracked with work and the business of life and a day or two would slip by without any spiritual fortification. Because of the challenges I recently faced and still am facing, my reliance on God and need for spiritual food requires more deep reading and meditation – yes, every single day. Of course, praying each and every day is also a worthy goal.
Do something I love.
Yes, I promised myself that every single day I would take the time to refuel and refresh myself so my tank is not depleted. Many days that means lounging on the couch with popcorn and reading a bestseller which feels luxurious. Other days that means sitting on the patio with a glass of wine, relaxing music, and watching the sunset with hubby. Or it could mean snuggling with one of my grandchildren, writing in a journal, gardening, taking a nap, or doing some deep breathing or relaxation exercises. But at the end of the day, I make sure I’ve done something that is just for me.
That’s my list. There are tons of other things you could include on your list to do every single day (with links I’ve written blogs about) such as:
- Laugh
- Do Something Nice for Someone
- Spend Time in Nature
- Express Gratitude
- Learn or Try Something New
- Spend Time with Loved Ones
- Listen to Music
- Be Curious
- Do Something Silly
- Savor the Moment
It’s entirely up to you what you choose to do every single day. But make that list and start living!
I’d love to hear what you would include on your list. If you are so inclined, please share in the comment section below!
Images courtesy of nuttakit, everydayplus, and apolonia at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.