As I was putting on my SPF 15 tinted moisturizer the other day, I was reminded of that song from a decade or so ago. You know the one I'm talking about, right? It was on the radio nonstop. The sunscreen song.
Anyway--it got me thinking: what would I include in my manifesto? Here's what I came up with . . .
- Read product labels--but don't obsess.
- Give yourself time-outs, as well as a bedtime.
- Say thank you.
- Use people's names when addressing them.
- Make eye contact.
- Banish multitasking from your to-do list.
- Make a gratitude list--particularly when you're feeling blue.
- Don't be afraid to get in the game.
- Be comfortable enough to sit back and watch.
- Watch a tree on its metamorphosis through the seasons.
- Write a personalized note in every greeting card you send.
- Buy a refillable pen and refill it when the ink runs out.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle. Always.
- Visit the library.
- Proofread your own work.
- Know where your food comes from.
- Smile at babies.
- Eat mindfully.
- Make time for an afternoon cup of tea.
- Master a few great recipes.
- Keep your e-mail inbox clean.
- Make soup from scratch.
- Set the alarm clock for the real time you want to get up. Say no to the snooze button.
- Do yoga because it feels good--not because everybody else is doing it.
- Shoes stay downstairs.
- Savor every last bit.
- Smile more often.
- Take the time before bed to simplify your morning routine.
- Don't waste time envying others.
- Declutter.
- Take more photographs.
- Listen to the lyrics.
- Shop the perimeter of the grocery store.
- Make a shopping list and stick to it.
- Wear heirloom jewelry.
- Burn that candle and use that soap you've been hanging on to.
- Stop second-guessing--but never stop questioning.
- Eat a rainbow of colors.
- Build your own food pyramid.
- Be nice to yourself.
- Try not to eat foods your great-grandma wouldn't recognize.
- Say a silent farewell to the roadkill squirrels.
- Be informed.
- Don't get sucked into the sensationalism of the news.
- Don't forward e-mail chain letters promising good luck if you pass this along to 10 friends in the next 6 minutes.
- Google yourself every now and then.
- Face your finances.
- Set up a bird feeder outside a window.
- Cook with fresh herbs.
- Send a card just because.
- Make your own hot chocolate mix.
- Listen closely to your grandparents' stories.
- Be confident enough to go it alone.
- Be open to companionship.
- Take deep breaths.
- Avoid artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors.
- Hug someone every day. Pets count.
- Watch the sun set.
- Experience more sunrises.
- Reconnect.
- Give yourself a break.
- Write neatly.
- Shred your own cheese.
- Consider the packaging when making a purchase.
- Be open to a wide genre of music, books, and films. You never know . . .
- Take a staycation.
- And yes--always wear sunscreen.
_________________________________________________________________________ © 2009 Good Karma Housekeeping. Making the space--mentally and physically--to live happily ever after.
