The Best Day

Life is made up of a series of single days - we know them as yesterday, today and tomorrow. No matter what we do, or how we approach each one the only thing we know for sure is that the sun will rise and set on each one.

I spent a lot of my life complaining about how horrible yesterday was, how horrible today is and not looking forward to tomorrow. I was stressed, sick and always looking for the next obstacle or excuse as to why my day would be another horrible day. I told myself I was living the fullest life I could - working, being a mum, surviving - but the reality was I was really making very little effort. The days just came and went - I was existing and not living. Being reactive to the circumstances provided to me instead of making my own.

As many of you know, I suffer with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Over the past few years my view on life has changed because of this illness, and it has been for the better. Yes, you read right - for the better. PTSD has taught me that every day I am here is precious and each morning I wake up I have the choice - I can exist or I can live. I can complain about another horrible day or I can make today the best day it can be.

What that means for each of us will be different - and I learnt that I can't compare my best day with that of someone else. Every one of us is different and every one of us is on our own jounrey. If you are constantly comparing yourself to someone else, you will never be able to see how amazing YOU truly are!

I have had some remarkable days doing some amazing things with amazing people - and those days are remembered as some of the best days of my life. But I have days where I just managed to get out of bed, shower and get to the couch. I also consider those the best days - because for me that was the best I could do in my life at that point of my illness. Living your best life is about doing what is best for you on the day - not what you think is expected of you, what others think you should do - but doing what is best for YOU - and only you can know that.

My twelve year old offered me a peral of wisdom one day - "everyone runs their own race, everyone's destination is different - don't put stress on yourself to run someone elses. If you are tip toeing foward, you are still going forward. You can still run backwards - all becuase someone is running doesn't mean they are going in the right direction!"

She was right - as long as I was moving myself forward be being the best ME I could be on that one day - than I was winning my own race. Here are a few things I try to do each day to make it a good day - sometimes they don't happen - but remember, that's ok! Your BEST TODAY is all about doing what is BEST FOR YOU today!

I like to try and get up early. Early mornings are quiet and peaceful and I find it easier to start the day positive when I can just take time to relax and get organised at my own pace.

I changed my diet to eat more naturally and I cut out a lot of processed foods. This made an incredible difference to my attitude, energy levels and my body. I listen to what my body wants - don't get me wrong, I still enjoy chocolate! I don't deprvie myself if I feel like something, but I make an effort to fuel my body properly.

Exercise is an important part of my day. Whether that be a jog with my dog, or a walk around the block - I try to do something active.

Life is full of responsiblity and things that "have" to get done. In reality, all these jobs will still be there tomorrow - so I pick one thing of that long list to achieve and if that's all I get done that's amazing as that's all I set out to do today!

This is one of the most important things I do that has made the biggest impact on how I feel everyday. I choose one thing to do that I love - not something I have to do - something I want to do. For example draw, soak in a bath, take a long shower, lay in bed and meditate, watch that movie I've been wanting to watch. Anything that will make you feel amazing! Always take time in your day to spoil yourself - after all you deserve it!

Rest, I listen to my body and I rest when it tells me I need to. And I don't feel guilty when I do - rest is how your body refreshes and is essential!

Give to someone else, even if it is just a smile to a stranger. By giving you are nurturing that part of yourself that seeks fulfillment.

Always be grateful. Even on my worst days - I found something to be grateful for if I really looked! Doing this slowly helped me change my attitude towards my tomorrow - and became easier each time I did it.

Reset - tomorrow is another day. Start tomorrow with a clean and fresh slate. I know this is hard to do - and this is something I am still working on, especially when circumstances dictate otherwise. What I have learnt is that you do have the choice to change your view or attitude about things each day - that's a great place to reset!

And remember - each day is a new day.

Your BEST TODAY is all about doing what is BEST FOR YOU today!

#LiveLife #Happiness #BestYou #BestYOU