I often ponder what I should do on any day to make it the best day possible.
It seems that people want that for me because I hear a dozen times a week, “Have a nice day.”
Many of the things we experience every day are beyond our control. You know what those things are: bad news, interruptions, and disappointments; and even good things like finding a good parking space and being given a McAlister’s chocolate chip cookie.
But I do have control over some of the things that make for a good day. I can choose to get up, clean up, and show up for the day ahead. I can try to accomplish some worthwhile things during the day, but not so many that the day becomes exhausting and disappointing.
I can get out in the sunshine on sunny days. I can read good books, think pleasant thoughts, and count my blessings in any kind of weather.
A day is generally about as good as my attitude toward the day.
Charles Swindoll was right when he wrote, “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.”
I have learned that my day is better if it includes exercise, preferably a nice, long walk; reading the Bible, praying, and contemplating God’s purpose for me; conversing with family members and friends; and maintaining a healthy balance of work and play.
A good day includes some time spent in creative pursuits. For me, this need is filled when I spend time writing.
A good day is made better when it brings with it unexpected pleasures, like a card from a friend or a visit with my grandchildren.
Addressing this issue from the opposite direction, I also know some things that will almost certainly guarantee a bad day. Allowing myself to indulge in bitterness, anger, and other negative feelings like jealousy and self-pity will ensure a bad day.
Staying in my pajamas and sinking down into my recliner to watch television nonstop, as enticing as those activities may sound, usually will not make for a good day.
Neglecting to take care of tasks that are my responsibility will contribute toward making a bad day.
Even more important, I will have a bad day if I fail to fulfill my responsibility to treat all people with respect and to nurture deeply the people I love most.
I read a story once about an old gentleman who had to move out of his house into a care facility. The administrator of the facility met the old man at the main entrance.
“I hope you will enjoy your new room,” she said.
“I already do enjoy it,” said the man.
“You can’t know if you will enjoy the room or not,” said the administrator, “since you haven’t even seen it.”
“Yes, I can know,” said the man. “The room itself will not determine whether or not I enjoy being there. I will determine that.”
Determine to enjoy this day, and you almost certainly will.
The Happy Geranium 
How true, Debbie.
Thank you, Sharon. If only I were a bit better at practicing what I preach!
Great article, I’m embarrassed to say I had way too many pj days this winter.
Well, isn’t PJ what Jimmy calls you? Ha!!
Definitely a reminder and encouragement to make it a good day!
Thanks, Linda. So glad you’re feeling better!
This is all so true. My days have become better since reading Max Lucado’s book “Anxious for Nothing” . It is not that we will not have bad or worrisome things enter our life but we (WITH GOD’S HELP) can control how we handle these things. I have made strides in the last couple of months but still working on this. This writing gave me a boost of encouragement in that direction.
Just bought that book (on your recommendation) and have just started it and already am recommending it to others.
The longer I live, the more I realize how much each day really counts. I never thought about this in my younger years, but now I realize that each new day takes me a little closer to my eternal life and I better pay attention to how I live each day! We never really know when a particular day might end up being our last day on planet earth.
That is so true, Becky. Thank you for reminding me to live each day with an “eternal outlook.”
“The room itself will not determine whether or not I enjoy being there. I will determine that.” Nailed it.
On Sun, Apr 29, 2018 at 5:44 AM The Happy Geranium wrote:
> dscales24 posted: “I often ponder what I should do on any day to make it > the best day possible. It seems that people want that for me because I hear > a dozen times a week, “Have a nice day.” Many of the things we experience > every day are beyond our control. You know wh” >
Thanks, Mark. Did you write this while on safari, or while riding a camel, or while eating some exotic food I would never try in a country I’ll never visit? 🙂
Thanks Debbie for your great words! So true and actually comforting to me when I realize I can have more control of a situation and power over negativity just by reacting positively and then letting it go 😊
Thanks, Jennifer, I admire people who have developed this talent. It’s the “letting go” that is hardest for me.
Perfect timing! I applied this to a recent situation and it was decided to appreciate the blessings that came as a result of the problem. The blessings outnumbered the problem.
Oh, Terri, what insight that shows. We need to remember to apply that principle to other life situations!
Loved the quote about the man enjoying his room. Truth!! Although, today for me is, at least partially, a pj day somewhat out of my control. Dang chronic issues suck, but I can choose to pray for others even flat on my back.
So encouraged the other day to hear a story about D.L. Moody. He was asked to preach in the a.m. and felt no power of God, there was little to no response, and he was dreading his evening sermon. Then a bedridden woman heard D.L. Moody was in town and prayed all afternoon and the evening sermon sermon nearly crackled with God’s power, 500 people got saved, and a revival started.
So glad we don’t have to be strong to be mighty.
Pearl, What a great story about D. L. Moody! Thank you for sharing it with me. I am sorry you face chronic health issues. Your vibrant mind and loving heart, however, are in perfect health. I will pray that your body will be also. When I wrote in my blog piece that “staying in pj’s and curling up in a bed or chair will not make for a good day,” I should have mentioned that sometimes, our bodies give us no other option. You are an inspiration to me. Debbie