Spontaneity is the quality of being able to do something just because you feel like it at the moment, of trusting your instincts, of taking yourself by surprise and snatching from the clutches of your well-organized routine a bit of unscheduled pleasure.

Richard Iannelli

If that is the case then “Stop and smell the roses,” people often say. Then they smile ruefully, because everybody knows there isn’t enough time stop or, as some may like to say now just “chill out.”

I have read that people actually get more done if they take time out to enjoy their day. Not only that, but, over time, people who set aside a few hours every week are likely to be healthier, more relaxed, and better able to cope with the stresses of everyday life.

Why not try it? Give yourself the gift of Savoring. (Hey, stress is all you have to lose!)

To start, make a list of 10 things you enjoy doing, whether or not you’ve made time for them lately. I’m talking about stuff that gives you real pleasure. They may be things you do alone, or with one other person, or with a group. Look over the list, and see if one thing says “pick me.” Choose one of the activities that you enjoy.

Take out your calendar, and in the next month, block out at least a 2-hour period that is yout time. Half a day is better. A whole day is best of all. Do whatever is needed to make that time free. Ask a neighbor to baby-sit. Tell your spouse you’ll be busy. Say “no” to the half-dozen requests that will almost certainly challenge your Time .

And when Your Day comes . . . take it, go for it no excuses now, whether you’re making a picture, walking in the woods, going to a movie, or just sitting still. What matters is that you’re doing something you really enjoy.

These tricks will help you get the most out of your day:

* Give yourself permission - this is Your Day. It is absolutely 100% okay for you to be taking this time. Leave your cell phone at home, or at least turned off. When kill-joy thinking comes along (and it will), play with it. Pretend it’s a stick floating in a stream, and just let it drift away.
* Keep the day alive - collect a souvenir or take mental photographs to help you hold on to this special time.
* Focus – as though you were taking a photograph, adjust the “depth of field.” Focus on selected aspects of the experience and let the others go.
* Immerse Yourself- Try not to analyze the experience, just be there. You’re savoring, remember?
* Tell the story - Share your experience with a friend or partner – the joy that’s shared multiples by ten.
* Write it down. Read it over as a reminder in a few days or weeks.

When your Savoring time is over, celebrate! Pat yourself on the back and, while you’rea t it, why not take out your calendar and make another date .
Keep on and each time you will find is easier and easier and you enjoy it more and more and soon you will find your self saying Life is Simply Good..
************************************************
Along those are a few quotes to make us stop and think

Many of us miss out on life’s big prizes. The Pulitzer. The Nobel. Oscars. Tonys. Emmys. But we’re all eligible for life’s small pleasures. A kiss behind the ear. A four-pound bass. A full moon. An empty parking space. A crackling fire. A great meal. A glorious sunset. Hot soup. Don’t fret about copping life’s grand awards. Enjoy its tiny delights. There are plenty for all of us.

from an advertisement

Too many people miss the silver lining because they’re expecting gold.

Maurice Sette