Have a great day. I say it all the time. It sounds so simple, doesn’t it? My friend Kay always says, “Make it a great day.” This shows others they have power over their circumstances.
The following are 10 simple steps that will make every day a great day.
1. Give of yourself. Help others, go the extra mile and share your gifts and talents. Each day we have limitless opportunities to put others first. Out do yourself today. Commit to helping 5 people. Everyone needs an extra hand. Be the first to offer yours.
2. Tell others you love them. Is there a person in your life that is difficult to love? Yes, that’s the person. Tell them first. Then text your friends, children or parents, “I heart U.” Surprise someone with a handwritten note expressing your appreciation and love. When you think of someone silently whisper, “I love you.” We all need love and many don’t get enough.
3. Be thankful.Finish the sentence, “I want and need to thank __________ for ____________. Now do it. Thank the earth, the flowers, the trees and the air. Thank the trees, the server, the cab driver. Thank the cashier, the co-worker and web designer. Thank everyone who is making the world a better place. Especially thank the most difficult people in your life.
4. Welcome your lessons. Today you’ll face difficult and unpleasant situations, welcome them all. They give you the opportunity to learn and grow. You’ll also have plesant and easy situations. These will teach you joy and appreciation. Welcome them and they’ll increases tenfold.
5. Forgive and let go.Everyone hurts someone. Be the first to apologize. Be quick to forgive and the last to judge. Walk a mile in someone’s shoes. We feel better about ourselves when we go to bed without enemies and regrets.
7. Ask for quidance. Ask to see the truth. Ask for a different perspective. Ask for the wisdom to do the right thing. Ask to see the higher road. Listen to and take action on the guidance you receive.
8. Own your greatness. Know that you are a unique spiritual being born to do great things. Make a difference. Believe in yourself. Take action no matter how small the step. You have a reason for being. The world needs you to do your part.
9. Lighten up and laugh. Grab a happy attitude. Speak happy words, think happy thoughts and do happy things. Look for opportunities to laugh. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Instead choose to have fun.
10. Make a difference in someone’s life today. Give a hug, a hand, a wink or a smile. Small thinks don’t go unnoticed. Everyone is carrying their own set of problems. What we all really want is to love, be loved and know that we matter.
When you’re feeling stressed, grumbling over your finances or complaining life isn’t going as it should remember how easy it is to make each day great. Make each moment count!
What are your ingredients for a great day?
What are you willing to do to make yours great?
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{ 41 comments… read them below or add one }
Ooh, great post, Tess! These are excellent tips for making it a great day!
.-= Positively Present´s last post…words to live by: i am wonderful =-.
Interesting…I have a different take on that greeting.
A few years ago I found my signature quote…”Every day may not be good but there is something good in every day.” Now I actively seek out what I call my “something goods” and usually I don’t have to seek to far.
I was always tired of perky sales people tell me to have a great day. What they might not know is that it might not be a great day, and that always irritated me. So now I tell people “Enjoy the day!” which has become a sort of signature of mine. People always respond differently when I use this greeting.
THanks for your insights today! And…enjoy the day!
Erin
.-= Erin Prais-Hintz´s last post…I Love a Challenge! =-.
Hi Tess.
My day was nearly not good as my washing machime was acting funny with a load of washing in it.
Then my computer played up and then I see your post, hmm, did you know something I didn’t?
For me it is going for solutions rather than focusing on the problem and getting stuck.
So this one resonated with me in number 8;
“Own your greatness. . . Believe in yourself. Take action no matter how small the step. The world needs you to do your part.”
Letting a washing machine and computer ruin my day and getting grumpy? Never!
Sort it!
Feel better and greater already.
Tess, THANKS!
.-= Wilma Ham´s last post…Accessing the wealth that has me BE a wealthy base camp. =-.
Hello Tess!
“Make it a great day” I love that and it’s so true isn’t it? Every day we wake up is a good day and no matter what comes our way during that day, we can handle it. Of course there are times when something occurs that simply is not good, but it is our reaction to “something” that can make or break a day.
You often use lists on your blog Tess, and I love it. It’s such a great way to get points across in a memorable way. Many of us know intrinsically know these things but they can easily get pushed back into the shadows. Thank you for bringing them back into the light!
.-= Keith´s last post…Don’t Quit! =-.
Your silently whispered “I love you” is something I do, too. It’s a beautiful blessing to the other, but the magic in this is that we are lifted as well. When thinking love, we are feeling it, too.
This list was particularly wonderful, Tess. I like how you expanded on the points. Love the photo, too.
.-= Julie´s last post…Honor Redux, with a Twist =-.
Oh my gosh, I love your lists! My favorite part of the list this time was, “When you think of someone silently whisper, ‘I love you.’ We all need love and many don’t get enough.” I know people who have a hard time saying I love you (and I’m one of them…), so when I’m around them, I think it with all my being and can sense that they feel what I’m thinking. I have some really phenomenal energy connections with certain people and we don’t need words to express what we’re thinking or feeling. It blows my mind.
I also really loved your suggestion to thank people, or do something small (smile, wink, hold a door) for strangers. You’re so right when you said that we all walk around with the weight of the world on our shoulders, so the tiniest gesture from another human being could make a huge difference in our lives.
Have a great start to your week!
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s last post…The Unique Gift Awakening Brings =-.
Gratitude is part of my every day and it makes it great!!! Starting the day by writing my journal helps (gratitude journal) and just smiling and laughing. Especially at myself
hehe
xo
jenn
.-= jenn´s last post…benny… =-.
For me, every day truly is a great day! If I lose perspective at all, then my job in the hospital is a powerful reminder of just how precious each moment, each day truly is. I love this list. I try to be mindful so do well with all but struggle with “own your greatness”. Always thought I was kind of ordinary, until recently I see just how unique I truly am. Didn’t think I had a niche or even realize I was immersed in it fully enjoying it, until this past year.
As an aside, on my phone greeting I end with “Have a Great Day”. I genuinely mean it. Some people got upset with that, and would forget what their call was about. Interesting…..
Hi Tess,
Just the phrase “make it a great day” – is one that brings up in me this notion that we have the power to do that. That we don’t have to rely solely on what happens to us to judge what kind of day it will be. We have a choice…always. We can always choose to have a great day. And that doesn’t mean that bad things can still happen – the certainly can. We can, however, make choices that much more will put us into a state of “greatness”. Awesome list!!
.-= Lance´s last post…Sunday Thought For The Day =-.
I love smiling at people, that have their brow furrowed, and a deep frown on their face. It surprises them. I really do believe they smile back on the inside. Holding the door open longer than a second, especially, at the post office to allow someone across the lot to get to the door with their arms full. Allowing someone to go first in the grocery store line (or just offering). Waving and smiling at a car that stops to let you cross the street. A touch, a nodd, stopping to listen and share a laugh with a clerk or someone nearby. ALL those things add up to a great day for me.
Wonderful list, Tess!
.-= Angelia Sims´s last post…Sunday healthy reflection =-.
Hi Tess. I agree with a lot of these. I try to live the “be thankful” one. I think it’s very good advice to always thank the people in your life who make your life better. Even if you’re paying them! Say thanks to the person at the drive through, because they are fulfilling a need of yours, and so on.
.-= Trey – Swollen Thumb Entertainment´s last post…Treat Your Blog Like A Living Thing =-.
Tess, I really love your wisdom. These tips are timeless, truly priceless.
I can’t have a really great day without helping someone (inspiring someone, making them laugh or smile). Your blog just brings out the best in all of us.
P.S. I may have apologized already, but sorry I haven’t been here. You know, college and stuff. I’m writing this about half past midnight…
.-= John´s last post…Difficulties Maintaining the Balance Between “Online and Offline” =-.
When I wake up every morning, I always tell myself that this is the most important day of my life, and so I make it a point to give my best. I believe that if we live each day with the best of us, our future will comply accordingly.
.-= Walter´s last post…Why are we having problems with problem? =-.
Your list is fantastic. The only other things I can think of that I need to make a great day are getting enough sleep and spending some time in nature, even if it’s only a few minutes outside, taking in all the elements. And when I saw the photo you had posted, I felt, “Aaaaahhhhh.” Absolutely beautiful. Now that’s some great nature!
.-= Patty – Why Not Start Now?´s last post…Life Lessons Learned from Leo =-.
HI Tess,
I Love the quote that you are born for a reason . I used to wonder and worry what my purpose is and how do I make the best of it ? Then finally I had realize any thing I do to make someones life a little better is a step twords it. I do not have to change the entire world just make the world I touch a little better and a little lighter . If it touches my Heart it is ment to be .
The way to start my day out on a Great note is : When my children leave for school in the morning I always tell them I love them and make a difference ! They know they do not have to be the smartest but they always have to be kind and go the extra mile for someone in need ! And it does show
in their friends and their attitude . I even email the college kids everymorning just a quick note w/ my quote. I feel better and they seem to like it.
Thanks for the insperation today Tess ! I think I will go and make someone smile today like you did for me ! Pass it on …..
Mary Beth
Forgive and let go is what I’ve been working on lately. It’s so easy to tell myself this, but practicing it is really hard.
I was recently frustrated because my wife was busy and I needed her help. An hour later I was still grumpy. I know it wasn’t her fault, she was working on a paper. I had to remind myself that it was ok to be upset, but I had to forgive and let go. Once I forgave Nikki and myself. (I forgave myself because I felt like I was acting like a child.) I was able to let go by telling myself that we are all trying to do the best we can with what we got.
.-= Karl Staib – Work Happy Now´s last post…Happy at Work Action Day is Here =-.
Tess, I am going to take these 10 points and make them into a checklist. They will be my guide to a great day. Thank you so much.
.-= Jill´s last post…Peaceful decisions =-.
I like to make it a great day by getting out of my head and following by heart and body…they usually lead me exactly where I”m supposed to be.
Today, however, I’m taking advantage of the weather and moved my “office” to the back deck. Who knows how many opps I’ll have to do that before winter…
I hope you have a great day, Tess!
Great list! and I like how you saved the best for last.
I would also add “Start the day off on the right foot”. Our day follows momentum so if we could get a good start to the day by doing even one of the things on your list, we put momentum in our favor. Although at anytime we’re free to change the direction of how our day is going.
.-= Broderick Durisseau´s last post…Visualization – Day 4 =-.
Tess,
I so love this! I’ve been “making it a great day” ever since I saw John C. Maxwell at a business convention. And I’ve been signing off most my emails with “make today your best day ever” because we all have the power to make it a great day!
Smiling more. Holding the door open for someone else. Being Helpful. Making someone else’s day a lighter brighter by paying them a compliment.
Life is grand!
xxoo
.-= Peggy´s last post…Your Moment of Bliss =-.
Dani,
I’m glad you find these helpful. Thanks for stopping by.
Erin,
Thanks for telling me how that doesn’t work for you. It’s always good to know some are sensitive to what I say. I do like your signature “Enjoy your day.”
Thanks for sharing your view point. I appreciate it. Enjoy your day!
Wilma,
I hear you! Today I’ve had issues with my security settings and then not being able to get my DVD to work so I could exercise. Frustarting for sure. So I emailed a friend for advice on the security issue and I’m going for a run instead of doing my DVD! How’s that for taking control of my day?!? We are always on the same page aren’t we?
Keith,
Anytime you’re in the dark let me know;) My sister says anyday we’re breathing is a good day. I think she’s on to something there! Thanks for the compliments on my lists. I think it’s because I’m just a “to the point” kind of gal.
Julie,
I don’t think we could say it like that if we aren’t feeling the love! Yes I’m sure to you the photo is a familiar site. Hiking next week? Yes!
Megan,
I can feel your energy connection right through my computer screen. I match it! I think that’s how we find each other on and off line. Is that amazing or what.
I love you Megan!
Trey,
I agree and want to say Thank You at least 100 times a day. Thanks for stopping by.
John,
You don’t have to apologize. I love when you visit but certainly don’t expect you to comment on every post. I know you have classes and deadlines and life to live.
Thanks for your compliment.
Walter,
I’m going to borrow that line from you. I believe it but don’t tell myself it.
So thanks for reminding me this is the most important day of my life. I love it!
Mary Beth,
You are such a great mom and your kids are no doubt as wonderful as you are! I’m trying to figure out my security settings so I can comment on your blog. For whatever reason it’s not allowing me to do that!
Karl,
You’re so wise and love flows once we forgive. We all have the same lesson so I certainly understand your frustrations! My daughter is Niki as well.
Jill,
You’re a blessing to all of us and a wise person for putting what you learn into action.
Stacey,
I’m imagining your wonderful and beautiful fall day on your deck. You’re really celebrating happy at work in action. I’m telling Karl!
Broderick,
You’re absolutely correct about the right foot. And I’m the right foot kind of gal. It amazes me how stubborn I can get sometimes and refuse to change directions. Thanks for stopping by!
Patti,
Yes sleep and nature does wonders for me as well. I love the photo as well. It’s an hour from my home and I’m breatheless each time I see it.
Joy,
I’ll always help you own your greatness lest you forget! Yes it is interesting…your phone message. I think some get irritated because they don’t want to be reminded they have a choice in their day.
Lance,
It’s so apparent that you live in your state of greatness daily. To think when you’re having a great day and I’m having a great day…we’re on the same level of all other great dayers is amazing. Yeah!
Angela,
And if the majority of us are doing those wonderful and loving things daily to those all around us it makes me believe our world is only getting to be a better place to live in.
Thanks for being on my team Angela.
Wilma,
This was such a great list (as always Tess)! I just love how you infuse your energy into helping people live out better lives.
My favorite was the last point where you say “make a difference in someone’s life today” – I love that! When we give to others, we always get that back in return. And that isn’t to say to do it for that reason, but to know that by giving to others, we are actually becoming more abundant in the amazing gifts that we possess!
So thank you for making a difference in my life, and so many other people’s lives Tess
.-= Evita´s last post…Infuse Happiness Into Your Work Day With Happy At Work Action Day =-.
Evita,
Yes it’s so easy to make a difference in someone’s life and it doesn’t take much effort. I know you do this already with your 3 blogs and I appreciate learning from you. Thanks!
.-= Tess The Bold Life´s last post…How To Make It A Great Day =-.
Hi Tess – I notice a recurring theme at The Bold Life, and that is to have compassion for and be grateful towards the difficult people in your life. I like this because it shows that the difficult people in life are sometimes our best teachers.
.-= Amanda Linehan´s last post…Living Through The Low Point =-.
Amanda,
I guess it is a reoccuring theme! I didn’t know I was repeating myself so much but it’s all good and I’m glad you’re here!
.-= Tess The Bold Life´s last post…How To Make It A Great Day =-.
“Don’t take yourself too seriously” is a major aspect of humor and also a lesson I’ve found I’ve needed to learn over again in new contexts and at deeper levels.
.-= Paul Maurice Martin´s last post…How Do You Spell “Om?” =-.
Magnificent!!!! LOVE the list!
I wake up each day thrilled to BE HERE! Doesn’t matter what is on my list of “to do’s” for the day – I start out with gratitude. When I greet myself in the mirror in the bathroom (not usually the prettiest sight mind you!) I say “I love you! Now go pass it on!” And so it goes……….
.-= suzen´s last post…A Pace of Grace =-.
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! It really is a conscious choice to be happy.
And for me, any day I don’t pee my pants generally makes for a great one!
.-= Jannie Funster´s last post…Sunday Thought: Laughter Is Good =-.
Hi Tess ,
It was a tribute to my father ! :0)
EEEk a little scarey .
Thank You for visiting my Blog !
I have not posted any of the book yet !
Mary Beth
Thanks, Tess. I love your lists! The line that spoke to me most today was the one about telling the ‘difficult to love’ folk you love them first. I have a teenage daughter…you know why it resonated! She’s not difficult to love, it’s just hard to get the words in between angst & frustration – fuelled rants sometimes…
.-= janice´s last post…Berries and Birds =-.
Hi Tess. Definitely to lighten up works for me. My mother used to tell me I’d make a great judge… the great stone face she used to call me
Not really a compliment — took myself too seriously. It’s hard to let other people in when you’re that “solid”. Welcoming your lessons is another great one; taking responsibility for our role helps to steer the boat… removes us from the victim role. Excellent list!
.-= Davina´s last post…7. Just Passing the Thyme =-.
Thanks for this list Tess. One of my favorite ways to make it a great day is to pause on occasion and sense my feet on the ground and my back against the chair — just keeping some of my attention here in this moment, and not getting so lost in planning for the future.
Hi Tess .. what a great post – thank you. The thing I find I do .. is to look for an alternative, if there’s a negative or a challenge … I just move on. Sometimes it’s a pain – but that particular thing has been cancelled, so there’s nothing I can do .. except regroup and carry on.
This is really good information and memory joggers for me – all the best
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
.-= Hilary´s last post…The Rhythm of Life …. =-.
Tess! Holy cow. Fabulous list. I loved each one…but I must say it was “Owning your greatness” that gave me greatest pause…even though the Laughter one is of course Ha Ha Ha Ha dear to my heart.
This last year has demanded me to own my greatness and you know what, that is hard! And at the same time fabulous. I think it takes a lot to overcome the tendency to shrink or dismiss our power. As I started to make that shift I felt like I was leaving what was familiar. It was HUGE!
And what I have found is that you are exactly right…I now have the ability to live the greatness of each day because even when there are challenges, I am fully present and open to what needs to be gained from the experience without shying away.
I love your blog!
Katie
.-= Katie West/The Levity Coach´s last post…We are all one….keep laughing. =-.
Dear Tess, This is a lovely post. I really resonated with giving thanks. I find it the most powerful mediation I can do. And it’s something I can do all day long, even when things are rough there is always something to be thankful for. For me there is great peace and intense love in being thankful…simply for being alive. That does not mean that my life is without pain; I’ve had intense pain at times of my life. It just means that I am so thankful for so many many things. Even the painful experiences that make me stronger, wiser, more compassionate and loving.
I also just adore your whispering, “I love you” when you think of someone. That is one I will not forget. I have done this a few times without thinking, and of course felt it many times when I’ve thought of people, but to ACTIVELY say this I think makes it even more powerful.
I’ve been to this post a few times and was glad I had time to comment this AM. Thank you for setting the tone of my day. It is a gift. Robin
.-= Robin Easton´s last post…The Whispering Winds Of Energy =-.
Paul,
I am serious or intense as well and only now at midlife to I get that I don’t have to be. Life is more joyful when I’m light and laughing.
SuZen,
Thrilled to be here…now that’s what I call enlightened. And I love you to me? I’m going to begin. If I say it to others why not myself, eh?
Jannie,
Yes I agree no pee in my pants is a good day. You’re hilarious and never fail to make me smile.
Janice,
I remember when mine were teens. Difficult years but you’ll actually look back with happy memories some day and you even forget how difficult they were. It’s one of the best kept secrets of aging.
Chris,
That’s what I need to do more of…stay in the moment and out of the future. Thanks for the reminder and being my teacher;)
Hillary,
Yes yes regroup and carry on. Oh how I need to incorporate this in my day. Regroup carry on. My new mantra!
Katie,
Owning our greatness is tough for most. We forget how big and powerful we are and if we do remember it makes such a difference. We’ve solved all of our problems up to today right? How great is that? And thank you for loving my blog.
Robin,
Great and intense love for being grateful and alive…this is so profound because many never get to this place. Robin you’re an example of all. Now I’m going to the next level with my gratitude as well.
.-= Tess The Bold Life´s last post…How To Make It A Great Day =-.
Hi Tess – to answer your question, I think I just let myself feel like the day is “great” – and allow it to happen. I love my life and I look forward to my days – if there are dicordant things going on I am pretty good these days at getting to the bottom of it and making the right changes so the situation doesn’t last long. I can’t imaging living a stressful, grumbling life!
.-= Robin´s last post…Can Limitations Be Useful? =-.
Great post. A simple smile carries you a long way while it at the same time helps everyone else to be on a better mood. This is actually something you should read through every day just after getting out of bed.
.-= Stefan´s last post…How to Automatically Back Up Your Computer =-.
Have you got anymore information about this because i’ve been looking everywhere for it.
Tess, your posts always just lift me straight up. All of these are GREAT. I especially LOVE the challenge of telling someone that you feel is difficult to LOVE that you LOVE them first!
Own your greatness and lighten up are also GREAT reminders for me.
Thank youi. I LOVE U. Now off to the ocean I’ll be.
.-= Sandra Lee´s last post…Expert advice on writing faster blog posts =-.
#7 should be ask for guidance and it says ask for quidance. I love this!