A bouquet of daffodils on my
workplace desk=a spot of sunshine indoors.
For now, spring
certainly seems to have sprung!
The days have been unseasonably warm and sunny. Flowers are blooming, trees are budding
and birds are chirping. Yet, a
week from now, who knows? Cool,
gray and rainy days could easily settle in for a spell. Unfortunately, that sometimes brings a
shift in spirits...
Here are some of my
favorite ways to infuse bright into any day—despite the weather or any other
array of setbacks encountered:
- Buy
yourself flowers. Any variety will do, but for
instant shine, you can’t go wrong with yellow (it’s like bringing the
sunshine indoors!). And, this
time of year, who can resist a fresh arrangement of bright-yellow tulips
or daffodils?
- Light
candles. Although it’s not something I am able to do at the 9 to 5, I frequently engage in the lighting of candles at
home: while cooking, bathing, housecleaning, creating art, writing,
relaxing, practicing yoga, meditating, etc., etc., etc. Candlelight is an elegant, calming
practice that makes any occasion (even mopping the kitchen floor)
special. For years, I’ve
established an intention every time I light candles. It’s my way to welcome in joy,
memorable moments, serenity…or whatever else I wish to manifest.
- Slip
into some sparkle. Even though it’s sunny as I write this, I’ve
done this very thing today by sporting a vintage strand of beaded
crystals. Yesterday (also
sunny), I slipped on a pair of bejeweled flats to accompany an all-black
skirt + shirt ensemble.
Sparkling adornments make any wardrobe selection fun, vivid and
festive!
- Savor
something tropical. Doing so is a yummy way to
healthily brighten any day. Add sliced kiwi fruit to your salad. Sip coconut water. Drink water embellished with fresh
lemon or lime. Snack on
grapefruit. Try something new or rarely-eaten: star fruit, papaya, mango, fresh pineapple… Delicious!
- Sprinkle
glitter throughout your world.
No, I don’t mean
literally (smile). Rather,
brighten others’ day as well as yours by fully engaging in the
conversations you are a part of.
Take the time to thank someone for their efforts. Write a friend a letter. Carve out quality time to play with
your child or pet. Slip a
card or handmade gift into your beloved’s briefcase. In essence, when sprinkling the glitter, you are lighting it up! ;)
How will you let the
bright in, today? My shades and
sunscreen are already in hand! T.
