Not all of our days feel delightful because of life’s demands and sometimes events take place that really try our emotions. But on average, it’s fair to say that most days are what we make them. My mission is to encourage you to make them a delightful as possible!

Getting the most out of my time on earth and living in the moment has been a goal of mine in the last several years. I hope that through this blog, my zest for life is contagious. You deserve to live your best life through delightful experiences with people, traveling to new places or simply adding actions to your day that thoughtfully and purposely add value.

To give you a jumpstart today, I’ve put together a short list of simple reminders to consider. How many of these experiences could positively affect you? Declare your life more delightful today. Think of the below checklist as a bucket list of sorts.

1. CAST AWAY YOUR CARES

Remember the last time someone asked you to join them on an adventure and you declined the invitation even though you could have joined them? Why did you choose that path? Instead of limiting your experiences because of your inhabitations or worries, take advantage of the opportunity to let someone else plan your experience. When your friends or loved ones invite you to travel, attend a local event or to a dinner party…SAY YES.

Casting away your cares means that you’re not overthinking the invitation but acknowledging that you’re trusting someone else to help make your life more delightful.

2. PUSH YOURSELF AND GO IT ALONE

On the flip side, sometimes you have to invite yourself to try a new experience when no one else is suggesting one for you. There are times when it seems like everyone is busy with life’s demands and they’re unavailable to you. That’s okay! Plan your own fun.

When was the last time you gave in to your desire to spoil yourself? It’s not selfish. It’s self-preservation. If you really want to see a blockbuster movie but no one is available to go with you, go alone. Feel like trying the new ramen restaurant in your city, but others don’t share your adventurous palette? Who cares! Get in your car and head to the restaurant. Push on.

3. CHANGE YOUR LOCATION

Life’s routines of taking care of a household and going to work can sometimes bring on the feeling of monotony, a feeling that my spirit tries to fight at every chance. Perhaps that’s why I’ve lived in more than one state and worked in many professions. Can you relate to wanting to change your location? What’s stopping you?

Your well-being is often dependent on thrusting your endorphins into overdrive. If you’ve got a serious case of wanderlust and need to travel to a new locale, seize the opportunity. Feeling less than yourself at work? If those feelings are a result of not fulfilling your career goals, then maybe changing where you work is just as important as the work you do. Change your location and you open up a world of possibilities.

4. HONOR YOUR CURIOSITY

There is real value in allowing yourself to find the answers to many of life’s questions. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to introduce yourself to someone who is obviously different than yourself? Have you always wanted to learn a new hobby or develop your career skill set? Sign up to take a class!

Honoring your curiosity keeps your brain active and helps you from just experiencing life as it comes along. What could you discover about yourself today?

5. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH YOUR FAVES

You know I’m a big fan of self-care and often that includes surrounding yourself with things that you love and people that you love to be around. When you cater to your desire to enjoy things (or people) that you know make you happy, you are fueling your spirit. Think of three of our favorites right now. Make strides to include them in your day.

6. IMMERSE YOURSELF

To truly take advantage of life, I believe you must be aware of all of your senses. For example, when I traveled to an award-winning art gallery last year, I let myself wander alone in their outdoor gardens. I smelled the fresh herbs, reached out for a fluttering butterfly, brushed up against towering botanicals, listened to the drip of a waterfall and captured it all on my camera to enjoy again later.

Try to remind yourself to be present in the moment and immerse yourself in the experience.

7. LIVE IN THE MOMENT

Sometimes it’s hard to turn off our busy thoughts. Like most people, I have to sometimes remind myself to live in the moment and not plan for the next one or think of something I want to say. It takes practice and awareness, but in time you can also train yourself to focus.

While this post is more of a reminder list than a to-do list, I know it will help you make the most out of your experience and live more delightfully. Let me know how you plan to seize the day by commenting below!