Yesterday could have started off as a recipe for disaster – a sick child, a good bit on the to-do list, and a Monday. Ick. Yet, I still ended up having a really good day. I took care of my kids. I made homemade tomato soup for dinner. I made my workout happen with two fantastic new circuits.

I saw a quote while reading my morning devotional yesterday:

“An attitude is contagious. Is yours worth catching?”

Something about that stuck with me and I decided I was going to make the day a good one. I believe we have the power to do that each and every day – to make our days good or bad. Well, except for those days where everything seems to align against us or something really awful happens. Have a bad day then. I don’t blame ya.

But in the day to day? Make it good. It may not be ground-breaking information, but sometimes we all need a little reminder or nudge in the right direction…

8 Ways To Make Today A Good Day

Find something to laugh at – whether a comedy on TV or a funny YouTube video online. Might I suggest an oldie but goodie of baby B getting caught dancing?

De-stress. Take 5 deep breaths. Take a power nap. Pray. De-clutter your space.

Splurge a little on something you normally wouldn’t. Nab that $30 group deal for a massage. Satisfy the fancy coffee craving. Crawl into bed at 8 pm tonight. Do whatever suits your fancy and will feel like a small treat.

Get active. Even a short walk outdoors will get the blood flowing. Hey – it could even be better than the time in the gym.

Flashback “get active” image! Look at that belly go!

Tackle a realistic to-do list. I try to pick the minimal amount of things that really need to get done. That way, I feel productive and not overwhelmed.

Give someone a kiss, a hug, or, at the very least, a smile. I plan on all three…although I must say baby snuggles are the best.

If only they could stay this snuggly forever.

Count up the blessings. List out 5 good things in life. I promise you have five.

Eat something delicious….and savor it. Oh pumpkin oats breakfast, you really do start my day off right. Cliché? Whatever. I’m going to eat what I want for my one meal of the day I get to enjoy in peace and quiet.

And that breakfast is calling my name right now…

You tell me – how do you plan on making today a good one?

Despite busy schedules, a lot of rambling thoughts, exhaustion, and cranky toddlers to manage, we have still had plenty of good times this week. Including our Thursday ritual of picnic lunch with daddy!

The past couple of weeks we haven’t been able to have our regular Thursday lunch meet-ups because of radio shows and dermatologist appointments (in the clear! yay!!), so I couldn’t wait for today.

Like I said – things have been slightly hectic around here lately, so I had to toss together the quickest things possible for our picnic lunch. PBJ sandwiches for them…

And a hummus, tomato, and sharp cheddar cheese sandwich for myself.

For the record – that combo is immensely better grilled with some butter. Stacy’s pita chips by the handful help make it more satisfying though.

After lunch, came play time. Prepare for picture overload. You simply can’t help yourself but to snap pictures when you have the two cutest kids alive.

Told ya. Cutest kids alive.

I also had some fun learning that kids are strong little creatures and would own me at their games. I tried out this funky sliding monkey bar thing…and could only ever get halfway across. How do kids have endless energy for this stuff?!

And we can’t forget Peter’s “Me Tarzan. You Baby B.” moment either.

Classic. And now, bring on the “I can’t believe you would do that with your 9 month old baby you horrible, horrible parents” comments. I can take ‘em.

It was the perfect little afternoon.

“Must-Dos” or “To-Dos” to Make The Day Count

Lately, I have thought a lot about how I fill my time. You know I am a doer. I incessantly have to-do lists running through my mind. Yet, I know that in order to live a fulfilling life I have to take the time to focus on what truly matters.

Then one day it hit me. I have to shift my focus from my “to-dos” of laundry, dishes, organizing, emails, etc to the “must-dos” of loving others, taking a breather, caring for the health of my body, my mind, and my relationships.

Now, I have my to-do lists, but more importantly I have my “must do” list that trumps anything else for the day. I tell myself that if my "must-dos” happen, I accomplished all I needed to for that day. Sometimes things like laundry and emails can wait if you don’t get to them. Your children, your body, and your spirit can’t. Give it a try sometime. It’s pretty freeing.

• What is the last thing you did outdoors?
• What would be on your “must-do” list for a day?