Jumping back in after a bit of a lull to a blog prompt inspired by my friend Katja with Skimbaco, called Live a Little. I adore the simplicity of hopping around blogs to see what others are writing about in which they feel capture the spirit of carpe diem. I find new blogs, make new friends and gain great ideas or affirm some of my own.
Meeting deadlines, stressing about money issues, breaking up arguments among our children, cleaning our house, our closet, our car and our garage, driving in traffic – GAH! Those tackled one at a time can get the best of any one. Trying to do them all together, every day can take us down. We can’t ignore our tasks of everyday life. But we can sprinkle a bit of the unexpected in the midst of our routine.
That’s what I try to do as often as possible. Change it up. Ease up the blood pressure rising in simple, little ways to remind us we’re all human. We carry our own burdens. But we can do so with a bit of flair. It doesn’t take all that much to break out of the ho-hum. Make others smile. Make ourselves smile.
Case in point. I like to put on a vibrant shade of lipstick and kiss the backs of envelopes before I mail them. Not all to my husband. Sometimes to friends. My kids. Even when paying a bill. I’ve done this to a draft of something I’ve written for work in which others will need to review. Or I’ve drawn a silly little person waving, something unexpected. It’s a draft. Chill. Hoping maybe they’ll notice. Smile. Think, “wow, someone’s in a good mood.”
I’ve also sprayed the paper or an envelope I’m about to mail with a bit of my perfume. Go ahead, let that person who doesn’t have their turn signal on take the close parking spot. Motion them to take it. Or tell the person with more in their cart, but who looks more rushed than you, to step ahead of you in the grocery line. Maybe they’ve got fussy kids and you’re there alone. Let them be on their way. When you’re clipping coupons, those you don’t need because you don’t have babies, pets, or know you won’t get to that restaurant because you DO have kids. Clip them anyway and give them to a neighbor, a friend who can use them. Look at their face. That look, it’s unexpected.
Say yes to something your kids ask you over and over and they know the answer will be no. I did this last night. It was a win-win for all.
What is the last unexpected thing you did? What was the reaction, either from you or someone else? I’d love more ideas. Go on now, Live a Little.
Thank you for participating! And I love this – it really is that simple. Doing something unexpected and nice is often more meaningful than something expected, like let’s say valentine’s day cards. Love it!
Thanks, Katja. I have always liked catching people off guard in the best ways possible
And the ‘manufactured’ holidays often cause more stress because of what’s expected. It diminishes the meaning for me. “Oh, think of me because this is the day you’re supposed to tell me I mean everything to you.”
I don’t like the manufactured holidays at all!! And my husband knows not to buy me anything on Valentine’s. I much rather take the gifts on a regular Tuesday!
Katja, I adore Tuesday gifts! Hey, tomorrow’s Tuesday!!
I am laughing my rear end off. I love the idea to kiss the back of a bill with lipstick. Too funny but since I bank online I will have to do it to someone else. I pretty much live my life in the unexpected lane and it rocks a life.
Shane, I’m happy you got the irony in the kiss to the bill collectors! It’s often the little things that bring us joy
Was able to give a family in need an, almost like new, 3 piece living room suit that another family was replacing. The single mom of 3 was so happy when I told her she was getting a new sofa, love seat and chair. She went to bed that night feeling very blessed. It was amazing thing to be a part of.
Thanks for sharing your story, Susan. I love hearing how one selfless act can mean so much to both sides. We donate a lot of items to area charities but seeing the looks on the faces of the recipients is priceless, I agree. I appreciate you stopping by.
I freaking LOVE this, Rajean!!
Best. Comment. Ever. Thanks, Lisa!
Rajean, I think we are soul sisters. Great post and put so well. Let’s see, the kids love going grocery shopping with me, “Are you having a weak moment,” they ask me to see if they can slip in some sugary cereal that I won’t normally buy. They also know that when Daddy is away we can watch 2, maybe 3, movies in one sitting and that when traveling I don’t like to make a bee line to our destination, like their father, but to stop along the way at curious places. As for unexpected, I keep thinking I need to be less straight forward and start telling little white lies about who I am and what I do to get a good reaction the only problem is, I’m too straight forward. It’s a work in progress.
Hi Jillian. So happy to have you visit my little space. I love the ‘work in progress,’ for just about any answer! The sugary cereal won’t hurt every once in a while! I’ve been known to have some for dinner on occasion. No need for dessert! Win/win! Thanks for your comment.
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[...] We know that living life to the fullest is combining those once in a lifetime opportunities with small every day things of unexpected and moments that take us out of our comfort zone – like read how Rajean makes even paying bills more fun. [...]
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How kind, thank you!