"Draw a map of your perfect day... on a banana."

...These are not directions I expected to encounter in my lifetime.

But due to the (delightfully) random nature of paths-we-take-on-the-internet, I recently found myself in a webinar with Anne Stark Ditmeyer, where she challenged us to do just that.

Why a banana? Because it's ridiculous. 🍌 It's impossible to take anything too seriously when you're struggling to draw a map on a banana.

I could give many reasons why I loved this challenge, but my biggest takeaway was this:

It has been SO LONG since I've asked myself what a "perfect day" in my world would include.

Sidenote: I try to avoid The P Word at all costs. For actual human beings, perfection is rarely attainable, and, therefore, a dangerous notion.

But this was NOT an exercise in planning our perfect day so we could manifest it into reality...

...It wasn't even designed to inspire actual change in our schedules.

Instead, it was simply a practice of naming what we love about life.

It's an opportunity to dream and imagine; without running everything through those pesky grown-up filters ("Is it possible?" "Can I afford it?" "Is it practical?") ​
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There are no Practicality Police involved when you're drawing on a banana!🤣

Because my brain gets easily overwhelmed when confronted with endless possibilities, I chose to focus on my ideal "normal" day.

(No vacation destinations, larger-than-life experiences, etc)

Attempting to walk myself through my perfect day proved to be an exhilarating challenge.

...and now I want YOU to give it a try. No bananas required.

What experiences would be included in your "perfectly normal" day? What tastes/smells/sounds/sights? Who would be there? How would you want to feel?

...not in an, "Oh, I'd love to spend all day reading in bed and having my meals served to ME for a change..." (that may be something to shoot for on occasion, but it's not a normal day).

If you could list the things that would happen in the "everyday" of your dreams, what would make the list?

I recognize the temptation here: "Cool thought, Christina. Maybe I'll think about it later..."

...But I want you to stop here, hit "reply" and tell me FIVE THINGS that would be included in your PERFECT "Everyday" Day. I am genuinely curious what feels ideal to you.

The fantastic bonus of this exercise is, in hindsight, I now realize I've been neglecting some of my favorite things in life... several of which are quite simple to include. The other stuff? Well, we'll count them as future goals.

The truth is this: It's easy to struggle with discontentment, especially when we forget to pause and consider what we want from our time.

So, sure: your reality likely differs from your "ideal vision" for everyday life. But taking a moment to actually decide what you desire is an important step toward a contented life.

There's the challenge, friends! HIT THAT REPLY BUTTON and tell me FIVE THINGS that would make the list when you describe your ideal, average day.

In return, I'll reply with five of mine.

🥂In a world that continues to throw around the term "self-care" in a haphazard manner, may we each take a breath to decide what we actually desire from our day-to-day lives. 🥂

Other Ways I Can Help You:

On the Podcast If you enjoyed the subject matter of today's email, jump into the archives and check out Episode 33: Cheers to Crazy Talk.​ As for THIS week's episode: Episode 145 is focused on the fact that we all want better for future generations; making sure our actions fit our intent.

One-to-One Teacher Consultations If you have questions about the ins-and-outs of getting more from TeacherLife, I'm happy to help. More details here

Patreon Community This community of teachers is an absolute gift. It is a true picture of reciprocity: In my attempt to help them, they continue to help me right back. To all involved with this group, I thank you. ​ Check Out the Patreon Here

Can't-Live-Without Repertoire Speaking of the Patreon, we held September's TTT last Friday, exploring the brooding "Adieu a L'Automne" from Glenda Austin's collection, Seven Minor Moods. I love these pieces, which demonstrate the many possible characters of minor tonality. Get Yours Here

A Favorite Thing These stamps have been on their original ink for over a decade in my studio. They make for a quick-and-easy way to mark off "passed" pieces. Find them on my Favorites List

Facebook Crowdsourcing This week, in the Teacher Friends of Beyond Measure Podcast Facebook Group, we're crowdsourcing our favorite Fall/Halloween piano repertoire. If you're on the lookout for ideas, pop over there and check out what everyone is saying! Join the Facebook Group

NOW: Hit that REPLY button and tell me FIVE aspects of your ideal day! I'll share mine when you share yours. 😊

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Onward and upward toward more NAMING WHAT WE WANT! 🥂

Want to check out PAST One Thought Thursdays? Find the Archives Here.​

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