by Marie Vonow (follow)

Enjoyment (5)      Living (3)      Now (1)      Special Occasions (1)     

Did you grow up at a time when many things were kept for ‘best’ or for special occasions? When I was young there were one or two sets of clothes that were only worn on Sunday for going to church or for other very special occasions. There was a set of crockery that was used when entertaining. There is no way you would have used it to serve up a meal on a weekday night. There were special cups and saucers for afternoon tea when guests came over.

Over the years things have changed and people don’t do these things as much. However, there can still be a tendency to hold onto some things, waiting for a super special occasion to use them. I certainly find I do this. I feel as if I do not want to ‘waste’ the item in question by using it on an ordinary day or by just using it on myself. The theory is I will use the item when there is someone to share it with. The result is the item stays in the cupboard. Surely it is a waste if something is never used and enjoyed. Also if I value myself I shouldn’t consider it a waste if I am the only person enjoying the item.

I found a great quote by Mary Manin Morrissey, author and public speaker, ‘Start living now. Stop saving the good china for that special occasion. Stop withholding your love until that special person materialises. Every day you are alive is a special occasion. Every minute, every breath, is a gift from God.’ Sometimes we need to be reminded that every day of life is a special occasion.

If you have ‘good’ clothes you keep for special occasions and hardly ever wear perhaps now is the time to think about other ways you can make use of them. Sometimes a sparkly top or jacket can be ‘dressed down’ with jeans and worn during the day time. Likewise, a dressy skirt can be worn more often without looking over the top by teaming it with something casual.

The ‘good’ china can be better utilised by using it frequently and getting enjoyment from it. If you aren’t going to use it, perhaps it is just clutter and could be sold at your next garage sale or donated to charity. I had a ‘good’ dinner set which I parted with when I moved house many years ago. I have never missed it.

As well as making better use of the things we tend to reserve for special times we can find other ways to start living now. What about getting outdoors more? Did you know the average person spends only about 17 minutes outdoors each day? That isn’t much time out in the fresh air. A dose of fresh air can boost your energy when you are feeling tired. It can relieve boredom and chase away feelings of depression. The good news is it's a free resource.

However one chooses to do it, start living now is great advice. It is also good for you, emotionally and physically. As well, it can be relaxing or it can be lots of fun. In his publication, Life’s Little Instruction Book, H. Jackson Brown Jr wrote, ‘Drink champagne for no reason at all.’



# Enjoyment
# Living
# Now
# Special Occasions

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