Getting Back To Getting Excited About Your Day

Perhaps life was more exciting "back in the day." You went to bed eager to wake up. You loved your job, were engaged to be married, or had just welcomed your first child. But now, in your 60s, 70s, or 80s, life has changed. Gradually, the colors have faded from your days. Now, you wake up with aches and pains, and it's not easy to get excited about today's doctor's visit.

The Key To Getting Excited Is Remembering

Sometimes we forget that everything in life is limited. Each time you visit a place, it is one less time you will ever go back there. Each time you see someone, it is one less time, or in this season of life, it might even be the last time you see them. By acknowledging this, you naturally slow down, and you can rekindle your enthusiasm for what each day brings. Even the small things will become reasons for you to look forward to the day ahead with excitement.

Turning a Hard 4 Hour Round-Trip Drive And What Could Have Been an Exhausting 7 Hour Event Into A Fun, Relaxing Weekend

Jean and I attended Layla's (our granddaughter's) dance competition in Chattanooga. Although all of her dances were on Sunday, we reserved rooms for Friday and Saturday.

We drove up on Friday morning and spent the day hiking the 5-mile trail around the rim of Cloudland Canyon. We were able to watch a wedding take place from across the canyon. On the way back, we made some new friends, Leo and Joy, from Florida, who were staying in one of the cabins in the park. We had so much fun that they took us back to their cabin. Needless to say, our entire time at Cloudland Canyon is definitely a day we will never forget; a place you will want to visit if you have never been there.

On Saturday morning, we went to Point Park on Lookout Mountain. Despite the chill in the air, we couldn't break away from the free guided tour led by a National Park Ranger. His vivid description of the "Battle in the Clouds" made it feel as if we could almost smell the cannon smoke and hear the soldiers' screams from one of the most deadly battles of the Civil War that took place in the valley below. Point Park is unforgettable and well worth the $10 per person; it was the most informative and beautiful four hours we've spent in a long time.

Even though we enjoyed our Friday and Saturday, Sunday was the highlight of the weekend; we got to see Layla perform her latest dances. I cried a little and screamed even more. She said, "Papaw, I could hear you cheering over everyone else". And why not, as Hank Williams Jr once said, "She is the best there ever was." She took a boatload of awards.

As we finally headed back to Georgia about 7:30 pm, we relived the fun and excitement we had with family and our new friends on the trail over the past 3 days for the next 2 hours.

During this season of our lives, a two-hour drive, a couple of nights in a hotel, and an afternoon spent with our family felt more relaxing and enjoyable than any cruise, overseas trip, or cross-country journey.

Three Ways To Get You Back To Getting Excited About Your Days

1. Turn Simple Occasions Into Unforgettable Ones

Have you noticed that it's often the small, fleeting, and overlooked moments that truly define a great life? While grand milestones feel special, our daily satisfaction is actually built from "micro-moments" and simple, everyday pleasures.

A couple of ideas...

Plan a card game night with friends, add a cookout featuring your favorite shish kebab recipe, and you've got a day to get excited about.

Go out to lunch with some friends or family, and instead of sitting down at a restaurant, call ahead for pickup and go to a park to eat on a picnic table.

2. Planning days well in advance is what makes for exciting days

I think there is a lot of truth to "Some of the most exciting days of a trip are in the planning phase." I am always asking family and friends, "So what are some of your plans coming up?"

For the trip we took to Chattanooga, I took my time, searched, and got a great room at a great Price.

Since lunch is our big meal of the day, I check out some local restaurants' ratings, menus, and costs. One thing that can take away from a great day is waiting an hour for a soggy taco with cold rice and paying $25 for it.

So, do your research and get it on your calendar ASAP.

3. Be Flexible

Our original plans for the weekend trip to Chattanooga included revisiting "Rock City" on Saturday. However, when I checked online and found that tickets would cost $100 for both of us, we decided to change our plans. I started looking for other attractions and am so glad we did! Not only had we never been to the new place, but the entire experience was unforgettable.

While writing this post, I've decided to invite some friends over in a couple of weeks. I plan to make  "16 Bean Soup" with biscuits and a salad, and then we can play some "Hand and Foot." I'm already getting excited!

Cloudland Canyon, Chattanooga, TN

Tight Squeez

Point Park On Look Out Mountain in Chattanooga, TN.

Our Ranger Made Us Feel Like We Were In The Middle Of The Battle

She is so loved!

Totally Upside Down

Proud Papaw!