Just the other day, my lovely neighbor and I were chatting over the fence when she said:
“You look so nice. Heading out somewhere?”
“Me? No, nothing planned.”
“Well, you look great.”
“Thanks. It’s just me being me, I guess.”
She smiled…because she “gets” me.
It was sweet of her and in her nature to extend genuine compliments, but this time, it caused me to look at myself and ask “How, exactly, was this ‘me being me?’”
Well, for one thing, I was wearing a pair of short but dangly earrings which I recall picking up at the Habitat for Humanity Restore. I guess they shimmered amidst my faux blond hair. Plus, instead of my Tuesday-typical, neutral-leaning gray, black, white or cream casual top, this one was chartreuse – one of my favorite colors. Other than that, a dash of lip gloss. But, for putting around the house on a “typical Tuesday,” I guess I was a smidgeon upgraded.
And, with that came the realization that there are days that I face and days that I embrace. It’s an attitude – a primary orientation rooted in the idea that the 24 hours ahead are either something to get through or something that I welcome with positive intentions and expectations.
Embrace the Day Ahead with a Hug
Earlier this year, during the contemplative and planful month of January, I challenged myself to embrace every one of the 365 days ahead. On the surface, that sounds “praiseworthy.” But, it’s no small feat when the challenges and rough spots in life come with that 24-hour package. That’s when hugging the day ahead matters the most, when a prayer of supplication or a moment of gratitude gifts me with the strength I need to make whatever’s ahead more bearable.
Embrace the Day: Make it a Habit!
There are so many ways to embrace your day. Only you know what will get you on track to experience a joyful unfolding of your 24 hours. I want to emphasize that this intentional approach isn’t reserved for the idle or the retired. When I was showing up at an office every day, I made a point of embracing that time and that space by bringing in a bouquet for my desk on Monday, arguably the hardest of workdays. I also took a 10- or 15-minute walk outside as part of my workday, whenever possible. And, at least once a month, I treated myself to breakfast at a local diner (very much a New England thing) before heading to the office. In these ways and more, I embraced my workdays, and in the process, reminded myself that I was and am the She-Captain of my experience.
That said, this notion of embrace isn’t exactly a cultural norm. We Americans are known for our results-focused, goal-driven orientation. I am that way as well. At the same time, we can soften the edges by embracing each day. Here are a few ideas for you to consider or reconsider:
Centering
Meditation and Prayer
Yoga and Movement
Morning Mantra or Journaling
Connecting with Nature
Sit outside for a few minutes
Walk your neighborhood
Feed the birds
Introducing Simple Pleasures
Take yourself to breakfast
Buy flowers for your desk
Wear that bright lipstick
Generating Joy for Others
Find “their good”
Smile from your heart
Celebrate their small wins
Put words to your kind thoughts
There is one more thing: Be a model for others by setting the example for embracing each day. It matters. I once had a boss who liked to start the day by doing a mini juggling routine in his office – you know, colorful balls and batons and such. That not only put a smile on the face of the staff, it also set the tone for a great work day ahead.
