As I write, I’m sipping Ahmad Tea’s Black Current with a couple drops of stevia and a bit of grass fed cream. Comfort in a cup! Usually, I put in just a tiny dash of cream, but today, the container slipped and spilled. I couldn’t waste that deliciousness! Right?

Lily’s nap time is often my tea time. During this afternoon’s tea, I’m catching up on some reading, journaling, letter writing, and gratitude. Gratitude and positivity go marvelously with black current tea. My musings:

Life. Life can be so overwhelming at times. Due to some nights without sleep lately, I slept in today. I woke to Rudy and Lily doing dishes together. I chose to lay aside the schedule and enjoy my day—choosing happiness in the chores. I’ve had FUN nursing a sick bunny, harvesting herbs, giving treats to the other bunnies and chickens, cleaning the house floors with Lily, teaching Lily about shapes and our solar system, cooking a deliciously healthy lunch, making art from my dried anniversary bouquet, reading to Lily, patting the puppies, making our bed with lavender, pressing fresh flowers, and kissing Rudy off to work. Today is a lovely day!

While preparing a breakfast tea with a dear friend, or, rather, watching Evangeline prepare it, we discussed how the brain and our thoughts influence our health and outcomes. I believe there’s truth to this concept. In the day’s rush, I often forget to enjoy the moment, appreciate my work, and, well, just have plain old fun in the everyday routine. So, today, the plan is to change that. Care to join me?

Here are a few ideas to help you begin your journey to positivity, gratitude, and joy:

• Make time for a proper tea time
• Light candles
• Pick or purchase a bouquet of flowers
• Use the “fancy” dishes
• List 5 blessings each day
• Smile at a stranger
• Forgive, including yourself
• Notice nature
• Find unique ways to make your work fun
• Leave love notes
• When upset with someone, think of 3 positive attributes of that person
• Read a new book
• Get out in the sunshine
• Give an unexpected gift
• Feed your family a fresh, healthy meal
• Try something new

And most importantly, CHOOSE to be positive and grateful. Watch how your life and perspective changes. Think and believe: Today IS a lovely day! Drop a comment if you’d like to share ways you find joy in the ordinary. ❤️