One of my life's goals is to get through The BBC Big Read (which unfortunately means I'm going to have to read the Lord of the Rings books *sigh*). I'm about half-way through, and have admittedly spent most of the time re-reading some of my favorite books from my childhood instead of new titles. It's been great to revisit my childhood through these books. I remember sitting on my veranda engrossed in To Kill A Mockingbird. Alice in Wonderland was my prize for getting 1st place in 1st grade...I even got so caught up in my childhood visit, that I went out and bought a tin of Royal Dansk cookies. LOL.
The Idea: Revisit your childhood. Whether it's through books, movies, music or an activity you used to do, go back and spend some time in that age of innocence.
The Cost: Free, or the cost of the activity.
The Benefit: Sometimes you have to go back in order to move forward. Besides, the things that you used to enjoy when you were a kid can only be even more enjoyable now that you're able to appreciate them.
May 30, 2008
May 23, 2008
#73: Be One With The Water (Friday, May 23)
A couple years ago, my friends and I wanted to go white water rafting. By the time we all signed up, it was sold out. I was so disappointed; aside from the fact that it was one of the gutsier things I'd contemplated (probably in my life), it sounded like fun.
The Idea: Go white water rafting. Grab a bunch of friends, and get ready for the time of your life.
The Cost: About $100, depending on transportation, who you go with, etc.
The Benefit: It's fun! How many times in your life can you say you've gone white water rafting?
Testimonial: I'm signing up for a white water trip this summer!
The Idea: Go white water rafting. Grab a bunch of friends, and get ready for the time of your life.
The Cost: About $100, depending on transportation, who you go with, etc.
The Benefit: It's fun! How many times in your life can you say you've gone white water rafting?
Testimonial: I'm signing up for a white water trip this summer!
May 15, 2008
#72: Laugh 'Til You Cry (Friday, May 16)
A couple years ago, you couldn't even get me to smile in a picture. Nowadays, it seems like every picture I take I'm laughing or smiling ("way too hard" as I like to tell myself). I've come to realize that a laugh - much like a yawn - is contagious. It's hard to hear or see someone laughing and not be infected with their good humor. And it's also a great way to enjoy life.
The Idea: Laugh until you cry...and try to do it a couple times a week. Despite the pressures and responsibilities of life, there must be something that can invoke your laughter.
The Cost: Zero...just a good joke or a memory.
The Benefit: It relieves stress and a good belly laugh can help tighten up those abs. It also does wonders for your outlook on life.
Testimonial: I have a coworker who's good for at least one guaranteed laugh-til-you-cry moments a week. I have several friends who are great storytellers, who are also guarantee a good laugh. And I have friends whose laughs are so contagious, that it's impossible for me to hear them laughing and not join in. The combination of these things (plus shows like The Office and Best Week Ever) have provided me with many hours of laughter.
When was the last time you laughed? If it's been more than a week, you need to lighten things up.
The Idea: Laugh until you cry...and try to do it a couple times a week. Despite the pressures and responsibilities of life, there must be something that can invoke your laughter.
The Cost: Zero...just a good joke or a memory.
The Benefit: It relieves stress and a good belly laugh can help tighten up those abs. It also does wonders for your outlook on life.
Testimonial: I have a coworker who's good for at least one guaranteed laugh-til-you-cry moments a week. I have several friends who are great storytellers, who are also guarantee a good laugh. And I have friends whose laughs are so contagious, that it's impossible for me to hear them laughing and not join in. The combination of these things (plus shows like The Office and Best Week Ever) have provided me with many hours of laughter.
When was the last time you laughed? If it's been more than a week, you need to lighten things up.
May 8, 2008
#71: A Cause for Celebration (Friday, May 9)
Even in the most uneventful day, you are bound to have at least one success. Others may think it's minor, but only you can determine what success means to you.
The Idea: Celebrate your successes. Maybe it's finally completing a recurring item on your to-do list, or just breaking a daily routine, or turning a year older, or getting through yet another day at a challenging job - matter what it is, celebrate it. It doesn't have to be an all out celebration, but at the very least acknowledge that you accomplished something.
The Cost: Depends on how you decide to celebrate. You could treat yourself to lunch/dinner, get a manicure/pedicure, or just give yourself a pat on the back.
The Benefit: Taking time to acknowledge even your smallest successes will help you really LIVE in every day instead of just existing in it.
May 1, 2008
#70: It's What's On The Outside (Friday, May 2)
When I go back to the Caribbean, I'm always in awe of how happy, young and healthy everyone looks. People who I've known since I was a baby don't seem to have aged at all. They say the key to staying young and enjoying life is to be a good person with a big heart, but sometimes what's on the outside is equally important.
The Idea: Get outside. Many of us - especially those who live in seasonal climates - are tempted to hibernate in the cold months and only get out in the summer. But summer is only about 90 days long, so you're shortchanging yourself for 200+ days out of the year. Resist the temptation to stay indoors, even when it's raining or snowing. Lay on your back in the park and watch the snow fall; get drenched by a spring shower; go for a brisk walk when the temperature is lower than normal.
The Cost: The best things in life are free.
The Benefit: By making a concerted effort not to have any more missed opportunities (the days when it was "too cold" or "too hot" or "raining"), you can add at least a couple more years to your life. Besides, being out in nature keeps you young!
The Idea: Get outside. Many of us - especially those who live in seasonal climates - are tempted to hibernate in the cold months and only get out in the summer. But summer is only about 90 days long, so you're shortchanging yourself for 200+ days out of the year. Resist the temptation to stay indoors, even when it's raining or snowing. Lay on your back in the park and watch the snow fall; get drenched by a spring shower; go for a brisk walk when the temperature is lower than normal.
The Cost: The best things in life are free.
The Benefit: By making a concerted effort not to have any more missed opportunities (the days when it was "too cold" or "too hot" or "raining"), you can add at least a couple more years to your life. Besides, being out in nature keeps you young!
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