Most of us look back on our lives and realize that we could have done things different or better. Sometimes we may regret not pursuing of changing certain aspects of our life sooner, while other times we wish we would have considered more options before jumping into a marriage or a new job.

I have often heard my Grandpa say that if life were perfect, there would be no room for any progress and learning. I still kind of wished my life was perfect, but he was right – our challenges and set-backs allow us to grow both mentally and spiritually. They make us stronger, wiser and more tolerant towards our own and other people’s imperfections.

If we are conscious enough we will not dwell on our past failures, but learn from them and concentrate on ‘right now’ – the only moment that we will ever really live in and control.

That is what I invite you to do today!

1. Take a deep breath, close your eyes, mentally distance yourself from all the doubts, past set-backs and self-defied limitations, and answer one question:

What is it that you need to change about your life?

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A strange but lovely little girl gave me a huge smile on the subway a few days ago. It was like her smile was intended to cheer me up after a rather rough time at work. Maybe my face displayed gloominess, I do not really know. I had a book open on my lap, but instead of reading it I was staring ahead of me, thinking about everything I had to get done before the weekend.

I noticed a movement to the side and when I looked in that direction I saw the little girl with two thin pigtails and a pink fluffy bag, looking directly at me. Suddenly she gave me a big, bright smile. Just like that! How could you not smile back? I did and immediately I felt better.

It is amazing how one reassuring smile from someone you have never seen before can wash away frustration and restlessness in a matter of seconds. The rest of the way the girl and I played a game called “What’s in your purse?” It went like this: first the girl would take a toy out of her purse and show it to me, next I had to do the same. Sadly, the content of my purse was hardly as exciting as hers, but the game went on for quite a while. When I stepped out of the subway, whatever was stressing me out was still there, but my frustration was gone. I was smiling and maybe my smile brightened up someone else’s day as well.

So what is your story?

Can you remember the last time a stranger did something nice for you?

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Four years ago, my answer to this question would be to locate and reach my alarm clock snooze button and enjoy an extra five minutes of hibernation. But now I have changed this. It always feels good to wake up to a brand new day, smell the fresh morning air and thank heaven for all the wonderful blessings you have. I am blessed with living in an apartment on the upper floor where I can have a glimpse of the horizon and the sunrise. This would be the first thing I would like to see upon waking up. The Sunrise.

Knowing that today is another day, another endeavor, another trial, another little pursuit of happiness, another chance to do something differently, to learn new lessons.

I am a firm believer that how we start our day has a huge impact on how we spend it.

So how would you like to start your ideal morning?

What is the first thing you like to see upon waking up?

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