Don’t Despise Everyday Life

I recently vacationed in Mexico. I love a good vacation especially to a destination I have yet to visit. See how I walk down the jet way? I’m excited!  I didn’t even realize how much I was in need of time off until the trip got closer.

Taking the time to slow down, reflect and recharge is an important part of life. You cannot neglect it. I keep hearing most employees don’t take full advantage of their vacation days. I’ve never forfeited a vacation day. Take your vacations!

Yet, everyday is not a vacation. As much as I love to travel I have many mundane Mondays and ordinary Tuesdays. And that’s okay. Today I’m sitting here sipping tea in my pajamas writing this post. Nothing extraordinary.

Sometimes we despise the ordinariness of life. But such is life. As much as we think we want everyday to be an extraordinary celebration or adventure those days come with their own set of stresses, expenses, and sacrifices. It was an expense to go to Mexico. I had to board my dog and go nearly a week without seeing her. I had to sleep on a pull out couch and freeze the first night because the hotel reserved a king sized bed instead of two queens. I was so cold that first night I slept with my jacket on! No lie! I got up in the middle of the night and put on the yellow jacket in the picture. My sister asked, “Where you going?”

To bed! It was just that cold. I had to sacrifice and compromise on that trip. Not only that I got sea sick on a two hour boat ride to another beach. That wasn’t fun at all.

And ordinary days come with their own set of blessings and peacefulness. Not running through airports and hoping I don’t overdraft on my account. Which I did! Luckily Sprint has service in Mexico so I was able to transfer money from my savings to my checkings. Sleeping in my own bed and at a temperature I enjoy is a blessing in and of itself. Cuddling with my dog is peaceful and brings me joy.

Look at Instagram or Facebook and it looks like everyone is always doing something extraordinary. But they have mundane Mondays and ordinary Tuesdays as well. That’s where the bulk of life happens. You may be under the impression that you’re somehow missing out or that your life is inadequate compared to your favorite social media celebrity. It’s not. They just don’t show you the mundane days because there’s nothing to show.

Of course, do what sets your heart on fire as much as your time and money will allow. But don’t despise the many ordinary days you likely have.

In my career there have been times when people have needed something from me STAT! It’s the most urgent, pressing need. And then the next day they have yet another fire drill. I had to put a stop to that real quick. If everything’s an emergency nothing’s an emergency.

And so it is with life. If everything’s extraordinary nothing’s extraordinary. If everyday’s a vacation no days are a vacation. Ordinary allows you to experience the wonder and awe of extraordinary. It gives you something to celebrate and something to look forward to. Don’t despise ordinary.

Don’t be in the habit of hating day to day life. Don’t look at your mundane Mondays and ordinary Tuesdays as a sign you’re off track or missing out on life. This is life. Make a commitment to enjoy every day to the best of your ability no matter what.

Whether you find yourself somersaulting down the jet way, relaxing on the beach or helping your kids with homework everyday is a day worth rejoicing in. Rejoice and be glad in it!

~ Charlene