EXTRAordinary

(Yes, I took this picture). :)

When asked to describe the 'best' ideal day of one's life, I find it interesting when someone opts for an EXTRAordinary day. That is, just another day of what makes one the most joyful (laughing, having a nice cooked meal, spending quality time with family and friends, enjoying something beautiful,etc), only with just a touch of extra goodness.

One would think that if you could choose what would make the 'best' day of your life, you might choose to win the lottery or get married, or do something outrageously adventurous/risk taking....but that's not what people usually say.

Research done on people who have won the lottery has interestingly shown that it's not an event that influences long lasting happiness, joy, or fulfillment; it's one's enduring lifelong attitude and intrinsic values. Lotto winners who were happy and optimistic people BEFORE they even won the lotto remain optimistic and happy after. These individuals may just be MORE happy, no less and no drastically different. On a similar note, people who were miserly and negative were STILL that way overall after a lotto win. This is just one example that demonstrates the power of one's thoughts and values. It's the little things that reflect on the bigger things, not the other way around. Or so I believe.

Today was such a day for me. I think my new middle name should be "Moderate." I'm neither overly optimistic/joyful, nor overly negative/depressed. I'm somewhere in between on a given day, and I think it's a good thing because I don't get stuck in any one mood for too long.

If asked this same question of what would be my ideal day in all it's average goodness, I would say today: June 25, 2008.

Here's what made it an EXTRAordinary day of my life:
1. I woke up at 9am, no alarm clock.

2. It was a perfect day: blue sky with scattered little clouds, slightly breezy and between 65 to 70 degrees.

3. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that being persistent sometimes DOES work in my favor and landed me the job I think will be the best job for me. My future is exciting and full of possibilities.

4. I realized I have phenomenal parents that have given me SO much love, support, and encouragement. I'd like to say my friends have done this for me. While I love my friends, however, honestly my parents are the ones who have REALLY listened and put up with me at my most difficult of days the past four months. Even when I'm a pain in the ass, they are there to offer wisdom gleaned from their own lifelong experiences or, simply do nothing but be patient and listen to me. I'm truly grateful for them.

5. I went for a long walk, happy about my exciting new job prospect. Rajiv was the first person (outside my household) I told/called while on my walk; chatted with him for a few minutes.

6. Had a yummy iced vanilla latte from Tully's. What's an EXTRAordinary day without my love for coffee mentioned? :)

7. Called a dear friend of mine (Carla) whom I haven't talked to in 3 months and talked for over an hour. The best conversation I've had with her in a really long time. I felt a sense of connection I haven't felt for awhile with a friend, talking and laughing like old times.

8. Talked with another friend (Amber) on the phone. Again, had another long and great conversation with her too. And laughed...alot. I felt so comforted to reconnect with some of my female friendships. As much as I love my male friendships, bonding with my girls creates a different feeling within me.

9. While I wasn't able to talk to a few other friends who called me today, it felt nice to know they were thinking of me.

10. Had a good conversation with my dad. If you know me well and/or have known me for years, you know why this is included in my EXTRA life day. :)

11. Played Scrabble and laughed alot (again).

12. Had delicious grilled portabella mushrooms for dinner.

13. Reflected on how lucky I am to have what I have and to be who I am, with the most sincere gratitude.

14. I felt most like 'me' (in various ways) than I have felt in months, leading me to appreciate where I'm at and where I'm going all the more.

Not too much, not too little, just "moderate" with a pinch of EXTRAordinary.