Z is for ZEST

I try daily to live my life with ZEST!  In all actuality I refuse to live it any other way.  When you consider the meaning of the word, zest...

a tart spiciness vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment add herbs or spices to A piece of orange or lemon peel, or the aromatic oil which may be squeezed from such peel, used to give flavor to liquor, etc. To cut into thin slips, as the peel of an orange, lemon, etc.; to squeeze, as peel, over the surface of anything. enjoyment Yes, when you consider the meaning of the word zest, why would you want to live life any other way??!!  I do believe I have the tart spiciness down to an art:)  I strive to embrace each day with a vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment.  Unless I am mistaken, I add spice to the lives of those around me when I can, and I try to squeeze as much life out of every day that God gives me.  And last, but not least, I enjoy life! You may wonder how this is possible.  I am more than happy to share my secret:)  I realized after reading The Dalai Lama's book, The Art of Happiness, that happiness really is a choice.  Living life with zest and excitement is a choice.  Every morning, when I open my eyes for the first few seconds of my day, I have a choice.  I can choose to be happy and live the day granted me with zest, or I can choose to be a grumbly grump and make myself and everyone around me miserable all day.  It's that simple. It doesn't matter if you had a horrible childhood or if you haven't yet accomplished your life's goals and dreams, or if your job sucks, your life starts over each day the minute you open your eyes.  The past is gone, done, over. The future is but a dream.  Your life is only moment to moment, breath to breath, RIGHT NOW.  You have been given a new day, another chance to get it right.  I choose to live right now, happy.  I choose to live my life with ZEST!  Period. I can hear ya grumbling already...saying well that's just hogwash. Now I am not saying that I don't ever get down or worried or ticked off, I do.  BUT when I do, I remember a scripture that puts things back into perspective.  Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. And that is just what I do. If I find myself worrying about bills, I remind myself that I have a roof over my head, when there are many folks who have lost their jobs and their homes.  I stop and give thanks.  If I find myself fretting over Logan's allergies and snotty nose, I am reminded of my friend, whose son has cancer, and Logan's sniffles seem like a blessing.  I stop and give thanks.  If I get frustrated because I can't afford to buy steak for dinner every week, I am reminded of the homeless, who haven't had ANYTHING to eat in days, and my chicken looks like a feast fit for a king!  I stop and give thanks. You see, there is ALWAYS a reason to CHOOSE happiness.  I choose to count my blessings.  I choose to see the bright side.  I choose to not give the darkside any more victories than possible.  There is a little devil over there with a shiz-eating grin on his face gloating each time I don't choose happiness...SO...  I CHOOSE to live my life with ZEST!!  I encourage you to do the same!!  This is the day that the Lord hath made.  I will rejoice and be glad in it.  ROCK IT PEEPS!!!