Make the most of your day

Each day of life is a gift. Making the most of that gift is up to me. Creating happy memories leaves no regrets. The time to love is all too short at best.

The recent holidays with children and grandchildren still linger in my heart of memories. I relive making enchiladas in the kitchen with my tall and handsome grandson. The trumpet solo written just for me by my granddaughter Traci, and the piano recital by her sister Kallie, remains a special memory. Other loved ones made my day by just being home. Their “presence” is my “present” and it filled my day with joy.

Our home is strangely quiet now. I miss everyone but I find many things that make my day. A little stray kitten has taken up residence in our yard. “No more cats!” my husband declares. I notice he bought a sack of cat food. “Well, the poor thing is starving,” he says as he picks up the kitten and rubs its matted fur.

Life is precious where there is love, so I hold the kitten and listen to the motorboat of his purr. For some reason it makes my day.

I love the crispness of winter, especially if it is just warm enough to spend outdoors. We went on a winter picnic with Joe Mark, another grandson. Something about the chill in the air caused an enormous appetite, and we ate three sandwiches apiece.

We made the day count.

Making the most of your day adds zest to your life and to those around you. I have some tips that fill our days with happiness:

l Be thankful for today. Please don’t take this day for granted. Think of all the blessings in your life.

l Look for the good in today. Whatever is going on in your life today, the good things far outweigh the obstacles.

l Find someone to bless. The blessing will return to you. I like to play the “smiling game.” I have yet to find a person who will not smile back.

l Sing a happy song. “Anyone who is happy should sing praises” (James 5:13 NCV).

l Express your appreciation. I am extremely grateful for those who provided free meals for the community during Thanksgiving and Christmas in our town. Thank you so much — you made a big difference in someone’s day.

l Embrace life. I call it “squeezing life.” Life is delicious, and each day brings a new adventure to live with enthusiasm. Getting excited about life is contagious because today is the day to be happy. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow may not be. Live in the joy of today, not the mistakes of the past or a dread of the future. Now is the time to live.

l Say “yes” to life.

Living today is the day to make meaningful memories. Making the most of your day is within your grasp. After all, today has not been lived before. You can make everyday a good day and you can make it count.

‘This is the day that the LORD has made. Let us rejoice and be glad today!” (Psalm 118:24 NCV)

Portales resident Joan Clayton is a retired teacher and published author. Her e-mail address is:

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