The Bliss List

What's your pleasure?  It's what you like--what makes you happy--what fills that inexplicable need to just enjoy for no reason at all, other than the pursuit of enjoying for enjoyment's sake.  This isn't the life I lead most of the time, but I do find ways to add some of these "bliss moments" into every day. Otherwise, the burdens of working, family responsibilities, chores, volunteer efforts, etc. will take over and make me burdened and unhappy.

Striking the right balance between obligations and pleasures is not always easy to do, but it is important not only for our happiness but for our health.  People who practice self-care are the same people who make time to take good care of themselves.  This means taking time to enjoy a favorite hobby, outing, nature, exercise, social occasion, massage or walk in the sunshine.  These are things that we can incorporate into daily life so that no matter how things play out with the to-do list, we have the take-care list to keep us balanced, healthy and sane.

This doesn't seem like such a problem, but for many people it really is.  Many people manage to get the A-1 priorities under control at the expense of sanity and well-being.  This can create resentment and frustration--and lead to some very unwelcome habits like overeating, not sleeping well and not exercising.

Everyone has a responsibility to take good care of their health.  We can't be perfect at this all the time.  Sometimes the hectic nature of life itself gets in the way.  However, most of the time, we want to be sure to make time, take time, create opportunities to do the very simple things that please us and make us feel happy, centered, energized and rejuvenated.   It's a pause that refreshes.  It's also counterintuitive.  By taking time away from life's to-dos, we actually become more effective and present in all areas of our life.

If you aren't giving yourself permission to take a time out, just for you, on a regular if not daily basis, the time is now to start.  This is a necessary act of self-care that has health and wellness benefits for you and those you encounter.

Get going!  Enjoy yourself.  Find your bliss.  Look forward to it.  Having fun looks great on you.