I looked up and noticed the light today as the sun was about to set. Dusk. It was beautiful. The sky was lavender and navy and golden. It's my favorite time of day especially during the "winter" months. It's softer than daylight but not nightfall. As the sun's light yields to the moon's we, on Earth, are trapped between their two powers and can feel the pull of both celestial bodies upon us. It's a time to be more yielding, more sexy, more in love.

But unfortunately many of us spend that time trapped in daily commutes. Thinking of dinner plans, exercising, TV schedules or whatever little hurts (or even happinesses) we experienced that day, week, or lifetime. Rather than looking up at the sky and seeing how the dual light creates a soft glow on everything we stare unblinking into the brake lights of all the cars before us, change songs on our ipods, or text that we're stuck in traffic.

With 2014 being only 21 days old I want to try and remember to make every moment count. I know that it's easy to get caught up in the details of everyday life. Traffic, bills, errands, and horrible co-workers/neighbors/family members all take their toll on us. But someday, and possibly someday soon it will all be over. Just like that no more dusks, dinners, or daily commutes. So take a second, even if it's something as simple as looking out over the horizon at dusk, even if it's over a sea of red brake lights on the H1as you're dashing home or to the gym. Just look up, see how beautiful being alive is.

I'm not a "new-age" or "eco" type. I don't eat vegan or organic food or have a sustainable anything. (especially not a bank account hahaha) I don't even particularly think of myself as a "feelings" type of person. But I don't think we need to be that "type" of person to remember to be kinder to ourselves. I mean being angry & stressed out isn't going to make your day get any better. But having a drink (even if it's coffee) with a friend or listening to your favorite podcast or just going through the drive through and having a milk shake can dramatically improve your mood. If you take the time to give yourself that love, you're going to be a happier person when you finally do get to your destination.

I recently reconnected briefly with a beloved old high school teacher. It wasn't elaborate. A simple message on Facebook. But I took 5 minutes to thank this person because I realized that I wouldn't be who I am without his guidance in those tumultuous years. I can't speak for the receiver of my message but as the sender it felt amazing to simply send thanks and love into the world. I highly recommend doing anything that give you that feeling.