Enjoying the Last Bite of the Cherry

Have you ever noticed how the last bite (or the last lick) is always the best? It doesn’t matter whether it’s your favourite meal, a delicious ice cream, last chocolate, or a ripe juicy cherry. Somehow that last bit always tastes so good! :)

I think the same can be said of life. Although my life has been a bit of a roller coaster (like most people’s) it has also been wonderful. But this last bit is something really special. Maybe because I hadn’t expected it to be this good, or possibly it’s just the wisdom of age. Either way, I am loving it! 

Live Each Day…

None of us knows how long we have on this beautiful planet; it could be days or decades. I like to live each day as if it could be my last, not in a sad or mournful way, but in a thrilling way. I find I get so much more enjoyment if I think I may not return to a place or have a similar adventure. I just want to absorb every last bit of it.

I have been fortunate to travel to many places around the world but, as I have aged, have modified where I go and what I do. That doesn’t mean I have less adventures… just different ones. In fact, I love looking at how I can make things happen even though I may not be able to trek miles, climb to the top of Machu Picchu or get to Base Camp Everest. There are always ways to challenge ourselves and have fun. :)

Smaller Adventures

Instead of having one or two big adventures a year, I often break them down into nine or ten little ones. A weekend break by the sea, a visit to a spa, a meal in my favourite restaurant, open air cinema/theatre, etc. It gives me something to look forward to in the not-too-distant future, and it is really enjoyable to see the number of things on offer.

As ever, I am always on the lookout for a bargain, so sometimes pick up last-minute experiences at a fraction of the price. A 7-day cruise to Norway for £499, a Murder Mystery evening on a train with dinner for £60, a tour of a vineyard (with tasting!) for £30, concert and theatre tickets for half price. I love the spontaneity of it, and I get to experience a huge variety of things.

Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries

If you look for things to please you and make you happy there is so much within easy reach, much of it affordable or even without cost. A beautiful sunset, colourful rainbow, a walk on the beach, a starry sky… all free! :)

With a little effort, so much of what we do on an everyday basis can become special: putting on your favourite music while tidying the house, clean sheets (one of my favourites), flowers in a simple vase, fresh baked cookies or bread, sharing a meal with friends or loved ones, or making that meal for one into a delicious feast.

Remember that even if we live to be 100, it is not really a very long time. Now that we are older, many of us have more time to do little things that make a huge difference. Make bath time luxurious, meal times delicious, shopping trips fun. Take time to make yourself feel special. You have known you for a very long time and should be your best friend, your greatest ally, your biggest supporter. Don’t wait for others to make you feel special, do it yourself!

I hope your bowl of cherries is always full… that way there will always be one last bite. :)

Join the Conversation:

Does your last bite taste the best? Have you changed the type of holidays/adventures you have? What do you do to make yourself happy?