That stopped me my in tracks. “What IS special about today?,” I thought. I named a few things: “I’m picking you up early. You have TaeKwonDo. I’m making pasta.” Satisfied, MJ bounded out of bed and ran downstairs. The day proceeded normally, better than normal even.
As I’ve blogged about in the past, my children make me better by making me see the wonder in life. Is it really special that we’re having pasta tonight? And yet, by simply asking the question and coming up with an answer, I reframe my day and change my perspective. You know, it IS special that we’re having pasta because it’s my son’s favorite pasta and he’s happy when I make it.
At work, perhaps it’s special that my team hit all their deadlines today. That my most recent project is under budget. That I had a great conversation with my mom. Or that the downstairs deli has an especially great egg salad sandwich today. But how often do we acknowledge and celebrate these victories every day?
Research shows that feeling awe makes us more spiritual, generous and content. Research also shows that being grateful can transform our lives.
In 2017, one of my resolutions is to recognize more of these special moments and acknowledge them as special. Now when any member of the family is a sleepyhead in the morning, we ask, “What’s special about today?” It’s a great way to start the day.
3 replies on ““What’s Special About Today? Life Lesson from a Six-Year-Old””
Neat!! Its a great perspective to have.
I hope you don’t mind, Joanna, but I submitted MJ’s name to succeed the current Dalai Lama. “What’s special about today?” teamed with the knowing that “being grateful can transform our lives” may be all one needs to experience to create a great life. I love this story. It woke me up in more ways than one.
I love this! Great fuel for happiness. Hope all is well with you JP…