This week I am going to try something new that I’m calling, Dessert First. I don’t mean that I’m going to literally eat dessert first. Okay, maybe I will once or twice since I’ll be thinking about it, but that’s beside the point. Dessert First is a week dedicated to savoring the rich, sweet moments of every day BEFORE I rush off to fill an obligation, achieve a goal, or take care of something for someone else.
We all know dessert is best when it’s savored rather than hastily gulped. When I roll a bite of chocolate around on my tongue letting it slowly melt, I taste all the subtle layers of sweet and bitter. At the same time, I experience a pleasing texture. Lingering over dessert with a cup of coffee, I often feel a sense of pleasure, exhilaration, or relaxation.
So why not incorporate those feelings into every day? Instead of glancing at the sunset sideways through the car window, I’ll sit on the back deck and take note of the depth of the clouds and the reflection of the light. When a client compliments my work, I will sit still, say thank you, and absorb the good feeling that brings. When my son calls and wants me to stop everything to run an errand for him, I will not do so until I reach a natural break in my schedule and I will not rush through the day’s pleasures in order to accommodate him.
What will happen? How will this experiment affect my work, my sense of well-being, and my family? Will it help me thrive at a different level? We’ll see. Check back here and I will give you the results each day!
