A perfect day…..for me.

It’s dark. It’s early. 6:17am to be exact. A Sunday morning. I am rested and enjoying my coffee by the glow of the Christmas tree. It’s one of my favorite things to do.

This time of year can be hard. On the mind and body. The darkness is still seeping in at the day’s edges. In 10 days, darkness will be forced to retreat as daylight begins to take over again and gain strength every day. Minutes will turn to hours. Gradual. But my mind will notice the shift. My body too.

We are exactly 2 weeks away from Christmas Day. A day I look forward to. I am reminded that festive and joyous are not always synonymous with Christmas. The day may spark comfort and joy for many, but for others, it can be a long winter’s day filled with loss and loneliness. Regret for what is, or mourning for what could have been – the loneliest day of the year – a typical day with added weariness because of the supposed joyous nature of it all. I think of these people the most this time of year. My heart holds a lot of space for the weary.

I have lost count already of the number of times someone has asked me, “So are you all ready for Christmas?” I have yet to fully comprehend what that question actually means. Seven little words followed by a question mark. I know it’s often used as a space filler during the checkout process and the responses are as arbitrary as the question itself, so I go along with the fun, not wanting to neither traumatize the young checkout clerk or fall victim to the shame game with any response that would throw them off from asking the arbitrary boilerplate question to all. Tis the season and all.

While driving home from the grocery store, memories of the recent boilerplate question still percolating, a thought came to mind, “I just really want peace. Peacefulness. And a little bit of party”. I literally laughed out loud when I thought it. In my mind, I could visualize the extravert in me jumping and shouting ‘pick me’ from the back of the room, not yet willing to fully let go of the party. A literal laugh-out-loud thought. Fun times. I imagine that many people my age may feel the same. Just smile and nod if you can relate.

The thought provoked a question and it’s been headbutting me ever since.

What would a perfect day look like? Feel like?

And here we are.

A perfect day. Hmmmmm. Let’s think about that for a second, shall we?

Perhaps another arbitrary question. But this one requires deeper thought and each answer will be as unique as the person answering it. My favourite type of question. No boilerplate responses for these seven words followed by a question mark, “What makes a perfect day for you?”

To answer this question. You need to pause.

And think.

And ponder.

And imagine.

Hmmmm. What would a perfect day look like? Feel like?

So, I’ve been pondering.

Imagining.

Here’s what I have. My perfect day.

I wake at 6am feeling fully rested to the wonderful sound and aroma of coffee percolating. The sun is rising and I take my coffee to the patio to listen to the choir of birdsong. The neighborhood has not yet woken. It’s me and nature. My hubby joins me. It is so perfectly peaceful.

I get my second cup of coffee, and a book, and return to the patio for the 2nd act of morning birdsong. My hubby offers to make eggs benedict. It is so perfectly delicious.

I gather my motorcycle gear and go for a ride along the coast. I choose Peggys Cove and I do the full loop. The ocean and shoreline ignite all the senses. There is no traffic or distracted drivers on the road today. It is a perfect ride. Safe and joyful.

I meet up with friends for brunch. My friends are all feeling rested too. I am so happy to be with them. We laugh and exchange easy conversations. We are all full. Full of joy and togetherness and good food. It is a perfect brunch.

After brunch, I drive to the beach. Just me and a good book and my new Tommy Bahama chair. A gift I gave myself last summer, and I adore it. Practicality and comfort – a perfect combination for my beach-loving self.

The evening is now upon me and my family and friends are coming over for a potluck BBQ. We mingle and eat good food, laugh, share, and appreciate the gift of time together. We toast and clink glasses and say cheers and are grateful for these shared moments. For we know they are fleeting, and more time and more tomorrows are never promised. It is a knowing ache inside all of us, but at this moment we are happy and healthy and have all we need. It is perfect in every way.

My hubby lights a campfire. He makes the best campfires. My friends and family move to the campfire and together we watch the setting sun. We pause and take in the magnificence of this moment in time. The sky is brilliant with every shade of red. My dog is on my lap. Everyone is smiling. Happy. Content.

It is a perfect ending to a perfect day.

My perfect day is set in the summer when the days are longer and the sun is closer. I’ll have to wait another 6 months for this perfect day, but I take great comfort in knowing what a perfect day feels like. It’s a perfect blend of peace and party.

Until then, I will find treasures hidden inside every day. Grateful for it all.

My wish this Christmas is that you, dear reader, also get to know and enjoy a perfect day. A day that brings you peace and perhaps a little sprinkle of party for good measure.

With gratitude,

Nicole