LIFE

Simple Pleasures That Will Make Your Day Better

We all have bad days. Do something that makes you smile

Waking up on the wrong side of the bed is a bad start to a long day. I’m single and sleep alone. Every morning has the potential to be a bad day.

My day starts at 5:15 a.m. with few exceptions; weekends and holidays. If I plan a road trip with my daughter to photograph the sunrise, say 150 miles in any direction, I’m up at 3 a.m.

Waiting for sunrise

Capturing sunrise in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, on a beach in Maine, or overlooking Hogback Mountain in Vermont is a great start to the day. It costs me gas and a little less sleep, and I get to spend time with my daughter.

Go for a walk

I’m not a fan of hot weather, so walking in the morning is enjoyable. I found a 44-acre parade field on a former Army post preserved for youth sports activities. There’s almost no traffic to worry about, and with my hearing aids in — which double as ear pods — I can walk in peace while listening to anything that moves me.

Meet someone for coffee or lunch

Having coffee or a bite to eat with a friend gives you time to laugh and smile. Make politics, religion, and work discussion off-limits. The idea is to enjoy each other’s company and leave behind the world’s current and ever-changing bleep show.

Sleep in

Sleeping in is easier said than done for me. I’m accustomed to waking up early. People tend to develop a few habits over forty years. I’ve been retired for three years, and I still rise early. In a few years, I’ll cinch my belt around my chest and go to dinner at 3 in the afternoon.

Write or read

If you’re reading this, you’re on Medium. Write something! Even if you prefer to read, you have your choice of topics: history, family essays, politics, religion, and humor. Come to think about it, skip politics and religion, and come for the comedy. Where’s Michael Burg, MD (Satire Sommelier) or Shirley Laffa when you need them? I tagged them because I love their sense of humor.

Binge to your heart’s content or watch a movie

It’s difficult for me to binge-watch anything. I became addicted to YouTube while killing time during the pandemic. I’ve never been one to watch the shows the world is watching. But I’ve found a few on Netflix. Grab a cup of coffee — or a glass of wine, put your feet up and enjoy.

Learn something new

Have you ever had the yearning to crochet a sweater? Yeah, me neither. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find something that interests you. I picked up coin collecting during the pandemic. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I still collect coins but don’t have to spend much money to enjoy the hobby. Learn to write poetry or play the guitar, or take pictures. You don’t need a fancy camera if you have a cell phone. And you might make some new friends.

Window shop at the mall or online

In-person or online, window shopping is a regular activity for many people. There’s nothing wrong with walking into a store to check out clothing, sports equipment, hell, even dinnerware. I don’t do it in person as often anymore. Our local mall has seen store after store close, including Sears and Macy’s. On most mornings, you’ll find more mall walkers than customers.

My wants take a back seat to my needs, but that doesn’t mean I can’t look. So window shop til you drop. But put the credit cards away.

Treat yourself to a night out at a good restaurant

Put the Groupon coupons away for one night. Treat yourself to some good food and drink. Sorry chain restaurants and fast-food joints, but not tonight. You can dress casually or fancy — the choice is yours. Maybe someone will catch your eye — assuming you’re single. Feel free to people-watch. It’s your night to sit back and enjoy the evening.

Watch a rainy day from your porch

Do gray skies and rain ruin your mood? Don’t let “Rainy Days and Mondays” get you down. Make some coffee and pull up a chair. Listen to the rain falling. Better yet, close your eyes and listen to the rain and relax. Don’t have a porch? Open a window or the front door and enjoy the moment. Being chill won’t cost you a dime.

If you’ve read this far, thanks for stopping by.