Celebrating Our Spectacular Senses

As we age, we tend to try to seek out what is more important in life and put smaller issues aside. Although chocolate is near the top of my list as to ways to get through the trials and tribulations of life, so are companions that light your way and anything that evokes your senses in a positive way. As I approach my 45th birthday, I hope to let my senses, including intution, lead the way in the next phase of my life.

Who in your life do you enjoy being around? Savor old friendships but be open to new ones. Companions who ease a heavy heart with a kind word, reassuring smile, and hug are essential. The power of touch is undeniable – hold hands as often as you can! (OK - not with your boss - but I think you get the point.) Seek out others who light your path and keep them in your life. And when you get that feeling that you've known someone longer than you actually have - try to spend a bit more time with that person. They are most likely in your life for a reason.

Surround yourself with wonderful smells that evoke memories of good times. Hate your commute? Fill your car with a fantastic scent and listen to your favorite songs to soothe the soul and free the mind. Singing aloud to “Defying Gravity”, “Boogie Woogie Shoes”, and “Bohemian Rhapsody” can change a bad mood into good – I know – I’ve tried it. Use soap or anti-bac hand gels with scents that make you smile. Heck - I even brought my favorite yummy smelling soap to the bathroom at work to relax me when taking a break. Consider a calming scent like lavender vanilla to spray on your bed sheets to ensure sweet dreams throughout the night.

Explore sights that inspire and make you think – stop to look at a sunset or sky filled with stars. If you’ve always wanted to see the Eiffel Tower in person, start to save and plan for it. Even putting a few dollars aside each week can add up over time. Changing the backdrop is a great way to get out of a funk. Take a drive and open your mind to new possibilities – view your life from a different angle. Take a chance and go on a new adventure!

And that brings us to taste – savor the splendors that life has to offer. An apple from a local orchard, fresh baked bread, stinky cheese, a great glass of wine, and don’t even get me started on ice cream and chocolate. Looks like we always end back at where we started – chocolate. I think you’ve figured out how I’ll be celebrating my birthday this year!