Everyday you go through the motions of life not knowing what each day will bring. And life as you know it, is a cycle of ups and downs, a constant rhythm of highs and lows, full of moments that will test you and at times, take your breath away.
In a nutshell, life is one exhilarating roller coaster ride. To enjoy it, you should take pleasure in everything that you do and take things one step at a time.
While most people may not have the luxury to regularly travel to some exotic island or a faraway sanctuary for a blissful escape, the best way to find happiness is to make practical changes in your everyday routine, no matter how mundane. These small changes, coupled with a conscious effort to appreciate the people in your life, the things that you have and your surroundings, will in the end, add up to a more contented and fulfilled life.
Start the day with a smile. Ever experienced a day when you’re feeling a little down and out then suddenly, someone walks in the room wearing a heartwarming smile and everything just seemed to light up? That’s what a simple act of smiling can do – it makes a difference. So, make it a habit to smile as soon as you get up in the morning because simply being able to face a brand new day is reason enough to be happy and grateful. Who knows, you might be able to brighten up someone’s gloomy day just by flashing a big, genuine and contagious smile for everyone to see.
Take a walk, smell the roses. Whether it’s for leisure or your daily commute, walking helps you clear your mind and get rid of thoughts that might weigh you down. Aside from the health benefits, walking around opens up your senses to everything that surrounds you. Take time to notice even the tiniest details as you walk around, as if seeing things for the first time. How the ray of light touches the towering skyscrapers, how parents care for their kids as they bring them to school, how exciting it is to witness unexpected reunions on a bus or MRT ride, how a tree gives you shade as you walk, how nostalgic it can be to see group of friends laughing boisterously or old couples holding hands. How a simple act of chivalry can be empowering, as a man gives up his seat for a woman or by helping an elderly cross the street. Go ahead and walk around and try to see the world in a whole new light.
Spend time with your loved ones. When was the last time you shared an interesting story with your family and friends or shared a meal with them just to catch up? If you haven’t been spending enough time with the people that matter to you most, it’s not yet too late to start now. Bond with your loved ones – talk about anything under the sun, play ball games with your kids, do chores together, listen to music and sing out loud with your best buddy. Doing ordinary things with the most extraordinary people in your life is and will always be, priceless.
Laugh out loud. Remember how that tummy-aching laughing session with your friends felt like? Probably one of the best moments in your life that you won’t ever forget. As the cliché goes, laughter is the best medicine. And best of all, its fun, free, and easy to do. Fact is, there aren’t any downsides to laughing and that’s why you should do it more often – laugh while watching your favorite sitcom or movie, or to the silliest of jokes. But most of all, laugh when you’re in the company of others and relish each and every moment spent with them.
Sleep well. Imagine waking up to a brand new day feeling refreshed after getting 8 hours of sleep. Springing out of bed and singing in the shower feeling completely positive, enthusiastic and ready to accomplish the day’s tasks. That’s what a good night’s sleep does to your system. So tonight, turn off your laptop and tablet, set aside your phone, put the lights out and treat yourself to a full 8 hours of shut eye and soak up the physical and mental benefits as you wake up rejuvenated and energetic the next day.
Free treats with a BDO Credit Card
It’s true, nothing sounds more enticing than the word “free.” Especially when you’re talking about free food and yummy treats. Aside from enjoying the simple things in life, wouldn’t it be nice if you can indulge in your guilty pleasures from time to time… for free?
Yes, you got that right – for FREE – with the BDO I Shop. I Choose. I Redeem. Promo! A minimum spend of P2,500 using your BDO or American Express Credit Card will entitle you to get FREE TREATS from Auntie Anne’s with any of their Specialty Pretzel and a Medium Old Fashioned Lemonade, or get your caffeine fix at Bo’s Coffee with any tall beverage, or indulge your sweet tooth at Brownies Unlimited with 2 packs of Brownie Chips or a box of 6pc. pre-assorted brownies, or perhaps satisfy your hunger pangs with your choice of any Kenny Roger’s Chicken combo meals and more.
The BDO I Shop. I Choose. I Redeem. Promo runs until April 15, 2014. Redemption period is until June 15, 2014. What are you waiting for? You still have plenty of time to indulge and feast on your free treats!
To know more about the best deals and exclusive perks for BDO Credit Cardholders, download the BDO Deal Finder App for FREE from the iTunes App Store or Google Play Store.