Have you ever noticed how the last bite (or the last lick) is always the best? It doesn’t matter whether it’s your favourite meal, a delicious ice cream, last chocolate, or a ripe juicy cherry. Somehow that last bit always tastes so good! :)
I think the same can be said of life. Although my life has been a bit of a roller coaster (like most people’s) it has also been wonderful. But this last bit is something really special. Maybe because I hadn’t expected it to be this good, or possibly it’s just the wisdom of age. Either way, I am loving it!
Live Each Day…
None of us knows how long we have on this beautiful planet; it could be days or decades. I like to live each day as if it could be my last, not in a sad or mournful way, but in a thrilling way. I find I get so much more enjoyment if I think I may not return to a place or have a similar adventure. I just want to absorb every last bit of it.
I have been fortunate to travel to many places around the world but, as I have aged, have modified where I go and what I do. That doesn’t mean I have less adventures… just different ones. In fact, I love looking at how I can make things happen even though I may not be able to trek miles, climb to the top of Machu Picchu or get to Base Camp Everest. There are always ways to challenge ourselves and have fun. :)
Smaller Adventures
Instead of having one or two big adventures a year, I often break them down into nine or ten little ones. A weekend break by the sea, a visit to a spa, a meal in my favourite restaurant, open air cinema/theatre, etc. It gives me something to look forward to in the not-too-distant future, and it is really enjoyable to see the number of things on offer.
As ever, I am always on the lookout for a bargain, so sometimes pick up last-minute experiences at a fraction of the price. A 7-day cruise to Norway for £499, a Murder Mystery evening on a train with dinner for £60, a tour of a vineyard (with tasting!) for £30, concert and theatre tickets for half price. I love the spontaneity of it, and I get to experience a huge variety of things.
Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries
If you look for things to please you and make you happy there is so much within easy reach, much of it affordable or even without cost. A beautiful sunset, colourful rainbow, a walk on the beach, a starry sky… all free! :)
With a little effort, so much of what we do on an everyday basis can become special: putting on your favourite music while tidying the house, clean sheets (one of my favourites), flowers in a simple vase, fresh baked cookies or bread, sharing a meal with friends or loved ones, or making that meal for one into a delicious feast.
Remember that even if we live to be 100, it is not really a very long time. Now that we are older, many of us have more time to do little things that make a huge difference. Make bath time luxurious, meal times delicious, shopping trips fun. Take time to make yourself feel special. You have known you for a very long time and should be your best friend, your greatest ally, your biggest supporter. Don’t wait for others to make you feel special, do it yourself!
I hope your bowl of cherries is always full… that way there will always be one last bite. :)
Join the Conversation:
Does your last bite taste the best? Have you changed the type of holidays/adventures you have? What do you do to make yourself happy?
