Yes, the pandemic is a time of anxiety about money and health, and huge uncertainty. Yes, we all prefer in-person meetings to zoom meetings.

Despite all that, is it possible to have a perfect day, or even a perfect hour, now in the pandemic? If so, what would it be like?

For me, the perfect day would include some kind of achievement, particularly overcoming some limitation that had been with me for a while. I think of practicing my cello and working on a piece of music that start out as impossible for me to play. Over a period of weeks or months I work on it. To my surprise, seemingly all at once, it becomes possible to play “perfect enough” for me and my teacher. And then on to the next more difficult piece to work on.

The perfect day would include some work challenge. I get in the flow. I develop new insights that surprise me. I make some progress towards a goal.

The perfect day might include the best eggplant parmesan or chocolate cake I have had in a long time. Or a bicycle ride in a spectacular place in perfect weather. Or a really meaningful conversation with a friend.

However, none of these experiences would be perfect unless:

  • I pay attention and notice them
  • I appreciate them

What is the single best first step you can take now to create your own perfect day?