How to Enjoy Everyday Life Just a Little Bit More

DRESS: Scarf Print Maxi Dress (also in blue, green, pink and floral) | SHOES: Piper Wedges (currently on sale with code FRIENDS20) | BAG: Gallivanter Bucket Bag | EYES: Pretty Easy Eye Palette | LIPS: Pop Color Lipstick & Primer in Nude Pop

Is it just me, or do some days seem to fly by and at the end of the day, you’re not even sure how you got there? I felt that way a lot at the end of last year. Exhausted, tired, frustrated, but still feeling like I hadn’t really accomplished anything. It’s feels awful.

Thankfully, I decided to make some changes this January and lighten my work load and ever since then, something inside me has shifted.

So, what happened?

Other than my work load, nothing more than my general awareness. I’m slowly, but surely learning to be more present in my own life and guess what — it’s making me a much happier person.

It sounds so easy, but I’ll be the first to admit that it’s hard and I struggle with it all the time! I think a lot about the future and the things I still haven’t checked off my to do list, but I’m trying to not be as hard on myself and instead just enjoy what’s happening in that moment.

For months all I was focused on was work, what was happening the next day at work, which clients I needed to get back to and who hadn’t paid their invoices. It was pretty dreadful and left zero time or space in my brain for fun. But with less on plate, I’ve been able to relax and enjoy life’s little moments as they’re happening and I purposefully do things that I know will make me happier.

Every morning I make a conscious decision of what to wear. This dress does the trick for me. It fits like a dream and reminds me of my favorite season, summer, which makes me happy! If red isn’t your thing, it also comes in pink, green, blue and floral. For me, putting on something that makes me feel put together and confident leads to better decision making all day. Is it the same for you?

When Rob gets home at night, I make a point to finish up whatever I’m working on and turn off my computer so we can spend time with each other. And instead of getting frustrated with Oliver when he walks slow, I’m trying to just enjoy being outside and slowly strolling.

I’ve also noticed that I linger over my coffee and wine longer, and generally I smile more.

It’s pretty crazy that simply practicing mindfulness allows me to soak up those little moments and enjoy them so much more! Maybe the real key to enjoying our everyday lives rests on two things. One, our ability to be present in our own lives, and two, to be thankful for those moments.

Did I just unlock the secret(s) to happiness?

Doubtful, but I do feel like I’m headed in the right direction!

Is being more present in your everyday life something you struggle with too? What do you do to enjoy everyday life more?

P.S. If you liked this story, you might also like this one on finding balance or this one on taking care of yourself.