Health Tip: Think of the Moments that Made You Giggle
Everybody’s favorite moments are different. What makes you smile or just double over with laughter is unique to you and yours. Your friends and your family help to make up all of those treasured moments that you have shared. That rich treasury of memories is a wonderful storehouse to lean on when you are tired, or rushed, or just need to get your balance.
Try to picture a few and keep them in mind as you cruise through your daily schedule. A great way to keep going, when you really need to stop, is to take five minutes and visualize one of these moments. We all need the warmth of those shared memories to back us up.
Find a quiet spot, sit down, close your eyes, and breathe deeply as you picture one of those moments, on the beach, at home, by the fire, or out on vacation. Then open your eyes and smile. That little break can make all of the difference. Now you are ready for the rest of the day.
Think about what makes you smile or laugh as you remember the happy times.
What’s your favorite beach memory? It could be a late night session on the sand around a firepit singing songs and roasting hotdogs and marshmallows, or just walking on the warm sand with someone special. Being on the water at sunrise or sunset, or biking down the coast on a beach path and then stopping for a huge breakfast.
How about when you are traveling? Across the country or just around town. It could be putting the top down and heading down the coast for a special weekend. Or outfitting everybody with backpacks and flying across the country to tour New York or Washington D.C.
What are your favorite food moments? That first bite into your favorite taco. Roasting a turkey with all of the trimmings. The smell of fresh baked apple pie. Hot cocoa and a cozy fire after a day of skiing. Fresh baked chocolate chip cookies.
When the seasons change what’s your best memory? Think of that last summer day at the beach, driving home with a car load of happy kids. Lighting the fire for that first fall evening fire. A spring day with the first stop at the nursery as you load up a whole garden’s worth of vegetable and flowers, ready to plant.
What’s your best personal time moment? Settling onto the yoga mat and breathing in a moment of complete relaxation. The first note of your favorite song, played by you on the piano or guitar. Sharing a moment at the symphony with your favorite concert.
What’s your best memory of your family? One of mine was watching my toddler grin the first time he went down the slide. Yours could be watching your guy kick in the winning goal on the soccer field. Watching your teen beam as she passes her driver’s license test. Whatever the moment, it’s yours to treasure, and sure to be remembered by your kids too.
As you share life with your family and friends, keep making mental notes of those really good moments. Tuck them away and take them out whenever you need them.