Isn’t Life Delicious?

Juicy. Poignant. Bitter. Sweet. What other words can you think of to describe this journey called life we’re all on?

I love words, phrases, mantras, affirmations, anything that touches on one or more of the senses and draws me in. For some reason the term “isn’t life delicious” popped into my head recently. Have you ever heard that before? This was a slogan on a TV commercial for Lifesavers candy back in the 1980’s/1990’s (watch the video below). And a catch phrase that resurfaces for me from time to time, especially during profound change. So it wasn’t surprising when it came back to me recently as I am definitely dealing with some profound personal changes right now.

One of the things I love about that phrase is the images and metaphors it evokes. Life as something to be devoured, savored, and enjoyed. How many times do we look at life or our circumstances (family, jobs, responsibilities) as anything less than delicious? Possibly foul tasting and repulsive, putrid, or any other negative description you can think of? I think many of us have a tendency to focus on what tastes bad and discount the simple delicacies of life.

Each time I say this phrase, either out loud or silently to myself, I can’t help but smile. It’s a reminder to shift my perspective and not take things too seriously (which is something I often need to be reminded of).

So, how delicious is your life right now? Here’s some ideas to help you taste the yumminess, rather than the ickiness:

1. Write a list of all the good things that happened to you today. They don’t have to be big things or necessarily important things. Make a goal of writing at least 5 things, then 10, then 15, and so on. It may be challenging at first, but it will get easier the more often you do it. Once you complete your list for the day, say all the good things aloud, then say thank you.
2. When someone around you is complaining for the sake of complaining, look them in the eye, smile, and say “isn’t life delicious?” They may just smile with you.
3. Create some yumminess for yourself by engaging in something you truly enjoy, something that you generally find delicious. One of the things I do on a regular basis is get a massage. It helps me slow down, relax, and be in the present moment, all required for tasting the deliciousness.
4. Spread the deliciousness around. Do something to add flavor to someone else’s life. It could be a family member, friend, colleague, or stranger. It could be something big or small. Get creative with it.

I’d love to hear how you created a more delicious life. Leave a comment below.

Laughing: The Best Medicine?

I dare you to watch this video and not laugh. I can’t do it. There’s just something about this man’s laughter that is pure and infectious. And did you know that laughter has a ton of healing benefits? It can help relieve stress and tension, lighten your mood, lift your spirits, connect you with others, etc. For more information about the healing benefits of laughter, please see “Laugh Your Way to Stress Relieve and Creativity.”

Words (and Actions) to Live By

Do words like commitment and honesty characterize who you are? Are your actions consistent with these beliefs? It takes great courage to live by our beliefs and stand up in the face of challenges. Enjoy this little movie – a little reminder of how important not only our words are, but living life by walking our talk.

Top 5 Songs About Freedom

In honor of the 4th of July, I put together a little top 5 list of songs about freedom. But not your ordinary type of freedom as celebrated on this day – freedom in terms of the choices we make. Enjoy!

5. Freedom Time by Lauryn Hill

4. Freedom by Solange

3. Freedom by Madonna

2. Freedom by George Michael

1. Freedom of Choice by Devo

Improvisation, Creativity, and Living in the Moment

“The key to improvisation is motion—you keep going forward, fearful or not, living from moment to moment.” ~ Bobby McFerrin

It’s no secret I idolize the great Bobby McFerrin, vocalist and most famous for his song “Don’t Worry Be Happy.” Aside from being a huge fan of his music, I am also a fan of his philosophies about life, fun, and improvisation. There’s a lot to be learned in how he creates music, taps into creativity, and goes with the flow. Learn more for yourself by reading an interview with Bobby as he shares some of his wisdom.

And just in case you don’t know the magic of Bobby, check out this video, just ONE of many amazing performances illustrating his wicked talent.

Can He Really Take Away Your Pain?

I got the music in me not only as a songwriter but also as a dancer. And I am a HUGE fan of Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance.” There’s a handful of dancers who have created a big impact on me. Each season there’s one or two performances that really stand out as cutting down to the heart of things. Not even out of the auditions yet, this season is not disappointing. Check out this one audition from a young man who claims he can take away your pain through his dancing. You’ll have to decide for yourself if he can do that or not. But he certainly has some mad talent. Enjoy what he calls his “exorcist style” dance…