Celebrate the Morning

By Sara Askew Jones

Live the good life by making each day special.

When my husband suggested we give one another an outdoor patio table with umbrella as an anniversary gift, I begrudgingly agreed. Little did I know that this purchase would be at the center of so many memorable good times. Ever since that anniversary, we have spent countless hours at this table of contentment.

Each year as spring slips into summer, my husband and I begin taking our weekend breakfasts outdoors. In the cool morning air, we listen as the world around us wakens with birdsong, and we watch as the landscape changes in the summer light. Whether we just sip our coffee alfresco or get to spend leisurely time over breakfast, simply being outside--away from the TV and telephone--sets the mood for the rest of the day. No matter what happens or what we have planned, the morning remains fresh and good.

Rise and Shine All Day

"Each day begins anew again..." may sound overly simplistic, but in truth this phrase speaks volumes about attitude and living well. Every morning offers the potential to be the start of a great day, and summer blooms with possibilities for celebrating the good life. Begin your day by doing something for yourself, even if it is small. Your happiness will benefit others, because a good mood affects those around you. Here are other ways to make your morning special.

• Take a walk—Whether through your garden or around the neighborhood, find time for a morning stroll. It offers an easy way to help you get fit. Studies show that cumulative exercise throughout a day adds up to healthy benefits. As a nice bonus, moving your body reduces stress.

• Be thankful—Take a few minutes before the day begins to write in a gratitude journal. Think about the previous day, and jot down things that made you smile. The smallest gestures many times offer the greatest rewards for the heart.

• Eat breakfast—A nutritional meal provides fuel for the morning and will help stave off unhealthy snacking later in the day. It also increases your metabolism, making calorie burning more efficient. Eating every three to four hours or when you feel physically hungry helps you lose weight by keeping your metabolism revved up.

Enjoy summer's bounty by choosing fresh fruit for your morning meal.