What is the best part of your day?
When is your favorite moment, the best part of your day? When many of us live full and busy lives, reaching our favorite, best part of the day can be similar to arriving at an oasis in the middle of the desert. It makes us smile, breathe deeply and let go of all the stress of the day.
At the beginning of the confinement I started taking a daily walk along the towpath near where I live. At first it was a kind of personal diary, taking pictures of the sunrise, beautiful landscapes, birds, wild flowers and then posting them on social media. Over the weeks, it has become a treasure, the best part of the day for me. And others seem to enjoy it too.
Leaving early in the morning means that there are generally very few walkers, runners, and cyclists around. It’s lovely sometimes to exchange jokes with familiar faces, or at other times to have the towpath to myself. And an early hike means that I can manage time to avoid really humid weather, but also fit in with the other demands of my life. My walk is the motivation to get up and have some personal time, before starting the day well.
– Early risers are often excited about going to bed early so they can get up and have time to meditate or get some fresh air before starting the day off right. For them, the early morning is the best time of day. An early morning run, a bike ride, or a visit to the gym gets your circulation moving, sets you up for the day, and gives you personal time to start the day in a positive way.
– Likewise, breaks throughout the day can be special moments, providing the incentive to work and earn that reward. Going out for a drink, perhaps catching up with friends or colleagues can provide a welcoming interlude during the day. It’s nice to be able to wait for a time when you can reconnect with others or enjoy some quiet time.
– In the middle of a difficult, complex or stressful moment, knowing that you are due for a break can be a relief, provide a break and be the best part of the day. During those times, you can take a break, relax, ground yourself, perhaps with some food or drink, or take a walk outside. That cup of tea, a piece of fruit, a few minutes with your eyes closed while listening to music could offer an opportunity to reflect, clear your mind, and then come back feeling refreshed, stronger, and ready to resume what you have set out to do.
– Is lunch expected to be a meaningful mid-day marker, a time to sit down, take adequate rest, and eat something tasty and nutritious? Maybe include time to read, take a short walk, and enjoy doing something yourself rather than just pausing while running around town shopping and running errands.
– For others, the afternoon is the best part of their day. There is the satisfaction of knowing that the day’s tasks are done for now. The drive home can be used as an opportunity to relax, reflect on the night ahead, and look forward to seeing family, friends, or perhaps just having a relaxing time alone.
– Spending the afternoons with the children, being there for bath time or reading them a bedtime story is often a precious time, very precious. Dinner, cooking, walking the dog, and feeling relaxed and satisfied as a busy day draws to a close is without a doubt the best part of the day for many. All contributing to a “meeting at the end of the day” experience.
– Busy people often relax and enjoy the time when their children are in bed, when they can sit with a drink, the television or spend some free time with their partner or friends. The prospect of an evening drink, a conversation, a relaxing bath while they close the door, kick off their shoes, and relax is understandably the best part of their day.
For many of us there will be elements of each of these different moments that intermittently will make us relax, smile and feel that life is good. They can easily contribute to being considered the best part of the day. What is your favorite?