Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have.  Make the “now” the primary focus of your life. -Eckhart Tolle

Sometimes it is nice to take a step back from life and enjoy the simple things.  I took the opportunity today, a day off from work, to just enjoy.  I was busy.  I had a list of things to do, of course, because that is my comfort zone.  However, as I went about my day, checking things off my list, I definitely stopped to think about all the experiences in the day.

I woke up at 8:30 a.m., on my own, without an alarm!  How grateful are you when this happens?  I LOVE it!  Love it, love it, love it and cherish it.  After throwing some clothes on, I walked down to Starbucks, grabbed a Pumpkin Spice Latte, ’tis the season, and walked back enjoying the near perfect sunny skied morning.  As I quickly packed up for the day of yoga, eye appointment, running, and massage, I was definitely in a hustle, but it was a great feeling.  It was that feeling of having an entire day, just to myself and getting things completed off my “to do” list.  I headed out the door with my arms full and my spirit ready to enjoy what the universe put before me.

Yoga

I love my yoga instructor Carla.  She is so challenging, but makes class worthwhile and fun and kicks all of our asses in the process.  Having yoga practice with Carla makes me feel like I have put in a hard workout and makes me feel alive!  It is always one of those workouts that the endorphins are pumping after and you feel like you really accomplished something.  I love it!

Eye Doctor

Just something that had to be checked off my list.  What makes me really happy is that I’m going to order one-a-day contacts.  My eyes dry out instantly with regulars and the trial pairs I have been using are AMAAAAAAZING(Oprah voice)!  Placed the order today for a full 90 day supply!

Trader Joe’s

I don’t often get to TJ’s but with a day off, I had to stop and pick up some frozen mango and pineapple for smoothies and some candied ginger for cupcakes.  The people in there are so happy and ready to help.  Always a great experience.

Running

There is a new, gorgeous rubber track between Montrose and Wilson on the Lake Shore path.  I’ve been dying to use it and today was the perfect day as I had some speed training to do for the marathon.  I ran my 4×1600 laps at a 7:43 pace.  The marathon is just over two weeks away.  I’m ready to go.  I’m ready to conquer my 4th marathon!!!

Massage

Since March I have treated myself to a massage every other week.  Let me tell you, it’s fantastic!  With all the running I do, I’ve upped it to once a week until the marathon.  It is something wonderful that I give to myself.

Putting a Card in the Mail

Today I wrote a card to my Grandma Bea who will celebrate her 97th birthday this weekend.  NINETY-SEVEN Ya’ll!!!!  Although I don’t get to see her often and I won’t get to celebrate with her this weekend, it makes me happy that I was able to get a card off to her letting her know that she is loved!  Happy 97th Birthday Grandma Bea!

Dinner With One of My Besties!

Friends are such a gift.  Even when you don’t get to see them as often as you’d like, they are always there to share a glass of rosé, a nice meal, and two decadent desserts!  Catching up and spending time with one another is important and something I value.  Life takes us all on different journeys and at different times, but it is comforting to know that friends are always there in spirit, if not in person.  Toast a friend with a glass of rosé tonight.  And remember, don’t be afraid to reach out and say “hi” or “let’s have dinner.”  We are all busy and let life pass us by.  Just because you’re single or not single, married or not married, have kids or don’t have kids, take the time to let someone know you care and to not let “busy” get in the way of catching up over dinner or brunch or a movie.  It is important that we all live our lives open to all possibilities and open to what the Universe puts before us.  I was reminded tonight that nothing beats sitting face-to-face with a dear friend. Take time now to reach out to one of your dear friends and make plans to get together.  It’s important!

So I just ran through my “to do” list from today, my day off.  While many of my friends were celebrating Rosh Hashanah, I was celebrating life and taking a moment to stop and be grateful for so many wonderful things I have in my life.

It doesn’t have to take miracles to be happy, sometimes just taking a breath, stopping for a moment and enjoying the present is all we need.  Trusting the Universe and allowing life to unfold just exactly how it is supposed to unfold is the best that we can do.  Find happiness in your daily activities.  Tomorrow is Friday and on Fridays I get to stop at Dunkin Donuts for coffee.  That makes me happy.  Today I made cupcakes to take to work.  It’s a Martha recipe but these did not turn out like Martha’s, I’m sure.  Yet, they will still be loved by my co-workers and that makes me happy.  Tomorrow night my friend Sarah and I are hosting month nine of 12 Months of Happy, a happy hour celebration we decided to start back in January.  Each month we pick a different neighborhood and a different bar.  Sometimes five people come and sometimes 15…..wait, have we ever gotten 15 people out of the 100 we invite?  It doesn’t matter.  What matters is it makes us happy to celebrate friendships and Fridays and the weekend and new neighborhoods and life in Chicago.  This weekend I will celebrate two friends’ milestone birthdays, 40 and 35.  Have we really made it to the 40 mark?  Regardless, it makes me happy to have friends who rent trolleys and want to drink and eat pizza!

Go out and enjoy life.  Stop for a moment today and enjoy.  Say YES to Life!!