If this isn't nice, then what is?
Picture this: You're on a leisurely stroll with your dog in the bright sunshine, sipping a chilled glass of white wine on the terrace during a late summer day, or simply enjoying great company with friends. These are all moments when you should heed the words of author Kurt Vonnegut: "If this isn't nice, then what is?" Whisper it quietly in your own mind. Why, you ask? Because, as leaders, our schedules often become so hectic that we forget to savor the present. We keep switching channels, multitasking, and prioritizing the next task on our lists. Yet, it's these small moments of joy that truly enrich life when we pause and mentally capture them.
Creating a Mental Album of Moments
I make it a habit to collect such moments, every single day. I maintain a mental album filled with snapshots of cherished experiences. I began by jotting down in my calendar each day what brought me happiness and joy the day before. After just two weeks of this practice, it became abundantly clear that the things that brought me the most joy and happiness had nothing to do with my career, money, status, or material possessions. It wasn't the extravagant vacation or the purchase of a new dress that made the list. It was those small, extraordinary moments. The aroma of a freshly brewed morning coffee, picking the first strawberries of the year, or sharing laughter with my husband while cooking a delightful meal together. There are numerous ways to do this; another approach is capturing the moment with your phone camera and saving it in a dedicated album. It's a matter of experimenting until you find the method that resonates with you the most.
I'm not what you'd call an overly emotional or excessively mindful individual. No, I consider myself highly rational and fact-driven. Throughout my career, I've often been told that I think more like a man, which I'm not entirely sure is either a compliment or a criticism. Nevertheless, it may seem paradoxical for someone of my disposition to write about appreciating moments. However, I do so because it's scientifically proven that people who can savor and mentally archive positive moments in their lives tend to lead more fulfilling lives. They experience fewer negative emotions, more positive feelings, display greater resilience in the face of change, and foster stronger relationships compared to those who don't.
Priceless Moments
I recently completed reading and thoroughly enjoyed "The Art of Frugal Hedonism: A Guide to Spending Less While Enjoying Everything More," authored by Annie Raser-Rowland and Adam Grubb. In this book, you'll discover 51 tips for finding joy in experiences that won't cost you a dime. Some of them may seem downright eccentric, but the book provides a refreshing perspective on relishing life's moments without the need for monetary expenditure. If you're interested in reading it, you can purchase it on Amazon..
Today is Wednesday, and being the creature of habit that I am, I already have a mental image of what I'll cherish today. The beauty of knowing this from the start of the day is that I'm eagerly anticipating it. Today, it will be a soothing soak in a warm bath and a glass of Wednesday's red wine, all cozied up on the couch beneath a soft blanket. If this isn’t nice, then what is?
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