7 Ways to Add Beauty to Your Day

And how to notice that it's already there

Dear reader,

After the sudden loss of my parents, just after having a brand new baby, a few years ago, I learned that I needed to find joy and beauty in my days. I made it my way of life. I strived for it; I longed for it. I prayed about it. I read books about it. The following are things I learned along the way. Some are things that have become habit, and some are things that I have to remind myself to do if I'm feeling like I'm in a particular rut. Some you may already do, and some may be new ideas to you. Either way, I hope you take some inspiration from them, or that they resonate with you.

1. Have quiet time, ideally first thing in the morning, while the world is still sleepy, if you can. No screens. Light a candle. Pray. Make a cup of coffee or tea. Journal. Be still and intentionally notice every detail around you: any light + shadows and how they dance, a bird outside your window, the sound of the coffee maker percolating. Read the Bible. Just be.

   This one is an important one to me, and makes such a big difference to the rest of my day. Unfortunately, during this phase in my life, I haven't been able to do it lately. My children are waking earlier than they ever have, and I'm not sleeping as well at night. I've missed this morning time very much, but I know that this is just a phase of life. In lieu of this time in the morning, I've found little pockets of time throughout the day: a cup of tea or coffee in the later morning, once I've settled my girls. Sometimes I'll pray with them around, them witnessing me (and they learn from this too). Sometimes I'll journal, and they'll want to journal too, to be just like momma. This is not the same as the quiet, early morning time, but it suffices until I'm able to have it again.

   

   Photo by Jennifer Sask

2. Play beautiful music like a soundtrack to your life.

   When I was a kid, my grandparents used to take me on drives. We'd drive anywhere and everywhere. Often, my grandma would pop a tape into the stereo, and play peaceful classical music. I always imagined I was in a movie, and this was the soundtrack playing in the background. I could see the cinematic scene playing out in my head, an aerial view of our vehicle looping through the mountains, as I took another sip of my McDonald's milkshake. Milkshakes were always involved. I've since done this in my day to day life as an adult. Music can evoke mood. Music can resonate with your emotions like nothing else. Music can help bring me into the present moment, enabling me to intentionally see myself playing out my tasks like a cinematic scene. It adds Beauty to so many moments. Try it.

3. Light a candle at any time of the day, during any “mundane” task. Turn down any other lights. Create ambiance. See how it makes the task more enjoyable.

   One task that I've enjoyed doing this with is cleaning up the kitchen and livingroom at night, after the kids go to bed. It completely changes the mood of the house, and makes what I'm doing beautiful. I enjoy it so much more. And, if I'm honest, I haven't done this in a while. I write this as a reminder to myself as well!

   

   Photo by Jennifer Sask

4. Buy some fresh cut flowers, or find some outside. Arrange them in a vase. Place them somewhere in your home where you can admire them.

   This is one of my most favorite things. I find it so calming! The act of trimming the stems, and intentionally arranging them just how I like them in the vase brings me such joy. It brings me right into the present moment. It brings me such delight when my husband surprises me with a bouquet. There's been times that he's offered to put them in a vase for me, if I was busy, and I quickly reply, “No, no, it's okay, thank you, but that's my favorite part of having fresh flowers, I'll do it soon, it brings me such peace…” He was surprised, as that's not his thing. But maybe it's yours.

   

   Photo by Jennifer Sask

5. Clean or declutter an area of your home. Notice how order brings beauty.

   Organizing and cleaning has never come naturally to me. I wasn't tought it growing up. It is something I've tought myself over my adult years. Maybe it comes naturally to you, which is fantastic. Or, maybe sometimes it takes huge motivation to get over the procrastination of a particular task, but when you're able to do it, the reward after is beautiful. Bask in it.

   

6. Go for a walk. Notice nature.

   I don't always make the time for this as often as I'd like. But when I do, I never regret it. It's good for everyone. This year I've taken on the 1000 Hours Outside challenge for my kids. Have you heard of it? Are you doing it with your kids?

7. Journal. I mentioned this in idea number one, but it also deserves its own number.

   I've been journalling regularly for ten years now. It is one of my favorite past times, and adds so much beauty to my life. I could write an entire letter about this topic, so I'll just leave this here for now.

   

   Photo by Jennifer Sask

And lastly, above all else, I try to remember to pray first as often as I can.

There are so many more things I could add to this list, but I'll leave it at that for now. Do you have anything you'd add to these? I'd love to hear your ideas too.

Please share with anyone you think might find inspiration from this letter, I'd so appreciate it.

Until I write again, I hope you see Beauty all throughout your days.

Jen