At the end of a long conversation covering everything from college basketball to what each of us was making for dinner that night, my friend closed the conversation in a new way. “I hope you have a well-lived day,” she said. It struck me as a fabulous idea: to live each day mindfully and with gratitude, and to turn off the lights at night feeling peaceful and content. “Have a well-lived day” is an idea that prompted me to plan my day more thoughtfully, making sure I connected with the people and projects that give me the sense the day has been well spent. Taking this approach has given me a fresh perspective on my life, and greatly increased my happiness quotient as well. What is it that makes you feel like you’ve had a well-lived day? What is it you need to do—starting right now—in order to feel like you’ve connected with what is truly important?
After you’ve read through this article, take a few minutes to brew up your favorite hot beverage. Then sit in your favorite spot and take a few minutes to think about those things you do that provide feelings of fulfillment and purpose. For me, writing someone a short note and putting it in the mailbox gives me a thrill that exceeds the effort, but makes me feel like I’ve given the world a little positive boost. Connecting with people, whether it’s through email or picking up the phone, is another activity that feels like time well spent. So does any kind of writing, organizing, and making a real effort to get a nice dinner on the table. Your list might look a lot different, but the point is to create one that feels authentic for your interests, and your gifts. Think back to the last time you felt you had a well-lived day. What did you do? Who did you do it with? Think about these elements, and then plan your daily schedule and to-do list accordingly.
Working on your goals is a big part of a well-lived day. If your goal is to write a novel, but you’re juggling family and a full-time job, make a concerted effort to include even a half-hour of writing in your day for a greater sense of creative fulfillment. You will know, on an intuitive level, when you have done enough to end the day with good feeling. Contentment is something you know you have when you have it.
Each day is yours to create. While none of us knows exactly what lies ahead in the day, and there are any number of tasks that simply must be done no matter what, take the empty spaces and fill them with what matters most to you. Whatever it is that sparks your imagination and connects with your heart is what will create a well-lived day for you; take a few quiet moments and give yourself that gift today.
