Have a Joyful Errand Day

Enjoy Every Task

Magic: when you create something from the materials around you to astound and make the audience say “Wow.” Magic happens on mundane days. It happens when you least expect it. It brings a spark to our drab and monotonous days. ― Avijeet Das

Tomorrow is the day! I am excited to do something very ordinary. What will I do? I will take a whole day to do some errands.

Who knew this day I am planning would feel so magical?

A few short months ago, running errands would be a much more regular occurrence. Now that I try to stay home as much as possible, it seems like such a delight.

On my 100-day journey of abundance, dreaming of my errand day feels abundant.

There is joy welling up in me, and I am ready to experience it.

I want to share how I plan to make this day special, almost like a mini-vacation in my car. As my son says, “It’s going to be epic!”

Prepare Your Car For The Journey

Our environment is an integral part of our life. When our surroundings are clean and fresh, we feel more focused and joyful.

Make sure to vacuum out your car before running your errands. Especially here in Oregon, our vehicle can attract lots of pine needles that get into the carpets.

Take a soft, damp cloth and dust all of the inside surfaces of your car. It keeps the dust at bay, and it feels fresher.

If you have essential oils, you can make a spray to create a lovely scent after the interior is clean.

Ensure that the side mirrors are adjusted and clean. Look under the seats for hidden items or trash. Just the other day, I found my sunglasses under the seat!

Prepare two boxes to store in your trunk or the back of the car. The first box contains tissues, disinfecting wipes, paper towels, and sanitiser.

The second box holds reusable shopping bags. Those items come in handy when you are on the road.

On-Board Entertainment

Cue up all of your favorite podcasts or audiobooks for your drive.

It is an opportunity to listen to some uplifting thoughts from authors, comedians, and more.

Surround yourself with positive vibes on your drive! You will smile as you do your errands!

Another fun alternative is good old-fashioned radio. Sometimes I like to turn on the car radio to see what song comes on. I am often astonished when music gives me an idea or inspiration.

List All Of Your Stops

Plan all of your stops ahead of time. This way, you do not waste energy or time. I like to go to the furthest location first, then work my way back closer to home.

My first stop will be a new styrofoam recycling center. Everyone is excited about this place!

Next, I can recycle the air packing pillows at the UPS Store and the plastic bags and bubble wrap at the grocery store.

While at the store, I can buy the two large binders I need to organize my recipe collection.

These days I plan my trips very carefully. It is still important not to be out and about too much.

It is also paramount to plan out your errands with restrooms in mind. Those that are open are few and far between at this time during the pandemic.

Treat Yourself

Let your last stop before going home be a stop to treat yourself. You deserve something for all of your efforts!

A fun treat might be a coffee, tea, or cold beverage. You could also order a take-out lunch from a local restaurant and bring it home.

Another present I love to give myself is a small bouquet to brighten up my home.

You may even love a new notebook, candle, or pen. The treat does not need to be costly, but it should give you great joy.

You are living through extraordinary times when the mundane can be magical.

Treat yourself to something for all of your efforts today.

I pray, and I intend that you find magic in your days. Your birthright is one of joy. I wish you a fun errand day!

Day #73: How will you make your errand day special?

I am tagging some amazing fellow writers on this journey. They joined me on my 100-day spiritual journey, and it is an honor to have them here on this journey.

I ask that you read their beautiful work here on Medium. Thank you for your generosity! Bob Jasper, Charlotte Zobeir Ali, Rasheed Hooda, Jenine Bsharah Baines, Amy Marley, Gurpreet Dhariwal, Aurora Eliam, CMP, Chowa Sekai, Michele Thill, Terry Mansfield, Tony Young, Jr., Dr. John Rose, Vishnu*s Virtues, Noma Dek, Neha Sandhir S, Joe Luca, Tree Langdon, Selma, Sherry S, Melissa Bee, Annick Batamuliza, Annelise Lords, Suntonu Bhadra, Henery X, Lanu Pitan, Nihan Kucukural, and many more! Thank you Illumination, Genius in a Bottle, Paper Poetry, and Medium Family!

Trista Signe Ainsworth is a Professional Organizer at Joyful Minimalism. She guides clients on a personal growth journey through their homes.

Sign up for my living in joy newsletter for weekly living in joy tips: Live in Joy.

Connect with Trista on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, or by email: [email protected].

More from Trista Ainsworth: