Two days more and I’ll be hitting thirty-nine years of wonderful journey, challenging and fun-filled life.
What better way to celebrate this gift of life but to look back in gratitude and reflect on the lessons which I have outlined two years ago in my other article, “Looking Forward to 37.” What better way to say thank you to the abundance of the universe but to add thirty-nine more things to do in a blessed year.
1. Continue with my gratitude journal. Four years ago, I decided to put on the side the practice of to-do list which left me scampering on where to go and what to do next. The obsession of doing was replaced by a mindful thread of where we are and what we do; fully at home with my own authenticity.
2. Watch raindrops more often. Few months ago, I was blessed with solitude. I joined a group of friends in a mountain home and while they were out there, exploring every nook, I decided to stay behind to sleep, catch up on reading and reflect. Then it began to rain. Wonderful to watch raindrops.
3. Catch sunrise and sunset often and marvel at their elegance. I am not much of a sunrise person, as I crave sleep and seemed to be tied to my wonderful bed but a sunrise awakens the senses and provides perspective on who we are as a person. I could not forget the time when we were on the beach, watching the sun rise and feeling the gentle embrace of the universe. Sunsets, on the other hand, give a touch of home. It whispers warmth and solace.
4. Marvel at a falling leaf and smell the grass. I always love falling leaves and newly cut grass. Every day is a blessing to be mindful of what is possible and of the things that needs to be let go of.
5. Take care of ME more. A recent annual check-up which showed liver adenoma was a call to be more conscious of taking care of myself. Better lifestyle, regular exercise and upping the happy hormones are a must.
6. While taking care of ourselves is great, crafting and spending a regular ME time is also necessary, especially for us women. I relish the time to write my journal, reflect my thoughts here at DivineCaroline, tweet in my pad, or connect with friends online or in person. ME time is a time to gather the dust of our souls and recharge in whatever way.
7. Gather and spend time with friends once a month. Women support group are important to get us through our journey. A cup of coffee or an easy, light lunch or dinner with women friends and mentors uplifts the soul.
8. Send bouquet of flowers to our special friends during special events. What better way to celebrate a special day than receiving and sending flowers?
9. Date with my daughters. How fast children grow up. Spending quiet time with them at home or clowning with them are spirit filled. Being there to help them in their adolescent years is a blessing. Listening to them and stepping back, when called for, is wisdom.
10. Spend a weekend at the beach. Every month would be wonderful but who says that moments of wonder should be always planned?
11. Write. Anything. Get the thoughts down. Share. It’s nice to have something to look back.
12. Go for a twenty minute walk every day. To bond. To be fit. To love. Ourselves. Others.
13. Gorge on fruits, veggies, and fish. Eat less. Splurge sometimes.
14. Be light, fun to be with. Put the heavy stuff on the side often.
15. Grow more, spend less. Support the No Buy Movement.
16. The best reading is re-reading. Read. It nourishes the soul.
17. Visit the dentist regularly.
