It’s Monday morning. (But you probably already knew that.)
Could you use a quick boost of energy without another short-lived, crazy kick of caffeine? 
If so, write down three things that made you happy this weekend. They don’t have to be big things, but if they are – congratulations!
Maybe it was a great cup of cappuccino or tea, or a nice glass of wine or meal . . . Or, perhaps fun with family or friends . . . Getting the weeds pulled, the grass cut, flowers planted, the closets cleaned, or the wash done.
Did you have a great night out, or a quiet, relaxing day in? Special time with the kids or grand kids?
Whatever made you happy this weekend is worth noting and savoring – and you can do both in less than 3 minutes, maybe even 2!
1. Write down what made you happy. (Feel free to post them in comments.) Just a quick sentence, phrase or word or two can make a positive difference. Drawing or doodling them also works. (If you are really pressed for time, think about them on your way to work.)
2. Close your eyes, and take a deep breath. (If driving, skip the closing the eyes part!)
3. Now, savor each memory: picture the people, the setting, your feelings. Hold them for a few seconds, take another deep breath, hold them- add a few more details and then let the your thoughts fade as you open your eyes and relax your shoulders and stretch your neck a bit to the left and right.
That’s it. Doesn’t it feel nice? (If you didn’t try it, you cannot say “No”!)
This quick ritual (repeatedly regularly), can make all the difference in your day or week. To enrich and expand the feeling – follow-up by listening to your favorite tunes on the way to work, or after everyone heads out the door. (Dancing is entirely optional, but personally recommended.)
Or, if Monday mornings are particularly tough for you, simply sway to some laid-back, soothing music. It’s comforting and may even release a bouquet of relaxing hormones and natural chemicals into your blood stream that will help you glide through your day – or at least the morning.
If you are thinking, “What is she nuts? . . . I don’t have time to breath, yet alone sway?”, please note that while you were thinking that, you had enough time to take a deep breath and at least picture what it would feel like if you did have the time to savor and sway, and even that would help – so maybe you should simply let go and try it! :-)
Okay, so most of us will never love or look forward to Mondays, but truly the best way to face the week ahead, is to at least make friends with them.
Sleep a little later or get up earlier to stretch or exercise . . . Plan a special breakfast, lunch or low-cal snacks to enjoy throughout the day . . . Wear something you love or save something new on Mondays only . . . Embrace your break – color, call a friend or start that book you’ve been dying to read.
When you get home . . . Plan an early dinner, eat leftovers or make Mondays someone else’s night to cook. Make Mondays a no TV or electronics night for you and the kids, read to them or simply turn off the lights, lay on your backs on a blanket in the family room and talk about your day. Kids love both novelty and rituals – creating interesting moments together is a great stress buster for everyone.
The key is to be kind to yourself, to get creative and to customize your rituals for you – and the kids if you’ve got ’em – and then make sure you savor them each and every Monday, and, only on Mondays to make your “its” extra special.
It might take a few Mondays to get in the habit, but you and the peace you will feel, are worth it.
And, breathe . . .
You can do it!
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Ahh, the first day of summer, also known as the summer solstice is upon us. It’s the longest day of the year (and the shortest night), giving each of us an extra long day to celebrate and savor each and every wonderful thing in our lives. (Dig deep if you have to, but don’t miss the chance – folks have been celebrating this day for thousands of years. It’s probably good karma!)
Do you feel that your life has purpose and meaning?
I have been traveling abroad over the last few weeks and am now spending a few days in Athens, Greece in a little apartment with a beautiful garden terrace, billowing soft white curtains and great wifi. Life is good. 
