Bask in Birthdays

Have you ever really sat and thought about the whole concept of birthdays and birthday celebrations? People in your life, family and friends, are literally celebrating the day that you came into this world. They are rejoicing because you were born and because of this you bring them joy and happiness. You do this of course for the special people in your own life as well. You buy a present, eat cake together, share a meal or wear party hats all to celebrate the fact that this person was put on this earth. It's such an amazing thing and I don't think we stop to bask in the fact that we are basking! Next time you are invited to a birthday party or someone has a birthday dinner for you, think about the fact that everyone is glad that the birthday girl or boy was born. Now if that isn't basking I don't know what is. We really do bask in the fact that we have one another and are grateful to have each other in our lives. Birthdays are the perfect reminder for all of us because there is always someone around us celebrating another year. Something new to think about from now on when we are singing Happy Birthday!

How to bask in your own goodness when the people around you are not basking in theirs

This is a very important post because it is something that we all will have to experience from time to time. When you make the decision to bask in and savor your own moments you can only make the decision for yourself not for the other people in your life. It can be very difficult when you are coasting along savoring each morsel and your loved ones and friends are focused on the negative things going on in their own lives. It is possible to bask while the others around you are not basking as long as you keep your mind clear and focused on the good. Your friend has a bad day or your family member is going through a rough patch and you want to help and offer them support. You should absolutely be there for them and do anything and everything to help lift them back to happiness and stability but you have to be very careful not to get wrapped up in the whirlwind of emotion. I am a very passionate person and when someone I love has been hurt or wronged, my immediate reaction is to feel the rage, sadness or anger that they are feeling. It is important to empathize and sympathize but you must be careful not to internalize. Offer guidance or just be a shoulder for them to lean on but be sure to stay on your own path of basking because you don't benefit yourself or others if you are pulled down to a place of turmoil. While you listen closely to your friend, take a moment to breathe deep and set up an internal shield so that you don't let the upsetting situation affect you personally. Be there for others in every way you can but make sure that you are staying in a healthy place for yourself as well. Tell your friend how upsetting their story is or how you would handle the situation but be sure to seperate yourself and your emotions enough so that you can still bask in the wonderful things in your own life. You will also find that when it comes to sharing your own moment of turmoil with your loved ones, you will have adopted ways of becoming less affected by the negative things that are happening because you have become so well versed at enjoying all of the good things around you. I believe you could look at basking as an overall drama reducer. Keep focusing on the wonderful things that life has to offer even when dealing with your hardships or the hardships of the people in your life. Everything will be brighter and easier if you do!

Once you start to bask it will come to you naturally

When you first decide to really bask in each day and each moment that you experience, you may find that it is a very conscious effort. When you are driving you are likely in a hurry trying to deal with the traffic around you or your tight schedule. Most of us think about our next appointment, our busy agenda or whatever is weighing on our mind as we hurry along on our drive. Take a moment to stop your busy thoughts and look around at the scenery and buildings around you. Today I stopped to bask and realized how beautiful the sun and the blue sky looked and really savored how amazing the architecture was in a beautiful church I passed by. Since I started truly basking in each moment I have found that everywhere I go I naturally notice the details of each experience. For example,I have seen our nightlight in our hallway hundreds of times but this week when I walked down the dark hallway to check on the kids, I noticed the beautiful shadow that was reflecting on the wall. It's fleeting moments here and there that happen so quickly that I often don't realize until afterward how much this basking technique has really started to become part of me. I went into a local italian resturant that has been around for years and since I was placing a carry out before the dining room was open, they had me go into the back/kitchen entrance. While I was waiting for our order I looked around at this operation and realized that so much planning and work goes into the creation of these wonderful meals that we are served and so while I ate my meal I really basked in the love that went into our order while I savored each bite. Your entire attitude will change once you start to bask in these little details around you and I think you will find yourself doing it more and more each day because it will start to become part of you and your routine. I am truly enjoying each moment that I bask in and I hope you will too.

Bask in a Snack

Do you stop to savor a yummy snack? It may sound silly but a good meal or treat can be a fun way to bask in the moment. I recently discovered Yoplait Light and Creamy Blueberry Pie flavored yogurt. It is amazing! I really have no choice when I'm eating it but to enjoy every single bite and every moment. I don't have a passion for blueberry flavor but this is good stuff. What are your favorite snacks? Do you have a meal or treat that you bask in and enjoy every moment while you're eating it? Share it with us!

Check In With your Attitude

We all have days that no matter how perfect our surroundings are outside, our feelings inside just don't match. When I was younger and trying to "find myself" I remember telling my dad that I wanted to move away somewhere and start fresh with a new job and new city. What he said to me has stuck with me and that was to remember, that no matter where I go I have to go with myself. It was the perfect comment because it was entirely true. The town I lived in or the job I held weren't the problem. My attitude and outlook were the real issue. On the days that you wake up and just feel restless or blah inside, take a deep breath and check in with your attitude. Find 5 things that are good with the day. The sun is shining,the next issue of your favorite magazine is available, maybe Starbucks is offering their yummy holiday flavors etc. There are always good things around us even when it feels easier to focus on everything that is wrong. You have the power to steer your mood in a brighter direction. This process gets easier the more we do it. Try it!