According to a recent survey by Marks and Spencer 96% of us feel we spend life on autopilot making at least 15 autopilot decisions a day. So they have introduced Make it Matter Day, a national day to help the UK focus on what matters most in life.
I have been working with Marks and Spencers over the last few weeks to highlight Make it Matter Day and share the ways we have been trying to #SpendItWell. I have learned through my life’s experiences that it is really important to recognise the small stuff that makes things better. Things like fresh bedding!
Visits to the beach with those I love
And Cake – lots of cake!
I love this campaign as it has really got me thinking about the little things that make a BIG difference. We have already stopped keeping things for best. So that china we got as a wedding gift has been used more in the last three weeks than the previous 23 years, same with the silver cutlery. Those scented candles that I have been hoarding, well I have been burning them too. If only I could manage the same with that drawer full of notebooks.
Break out of Auto Pilot
We do appreciate the value of small everyday pleasures, but we don’t often make time for nearly enough of them. So how can we break out of autopilot and make the most of today?
- Use your best cup, you know the one that you love looking at!
- Stop and smell the flowers – I am a sucker for flowers, but do not tend to buy them very often as I think that I could spend that money elsewhere. I have countered this over the last couple of weeks by buying plants instead. They look great and I am hoping I develop green fingers so they last longer than cut flowers.
- Use those cloth napkins that are languishing in the cupboard and light candles at dinner.
- Turn off the TV and eat dinner at the table as a family or if you do that on a regular basis then grab a blanket and have a picnic.
- If you do not normally wear make-up then pop some on for the day.
- Have a go on that zip wire at the park with the kids.
We are on holiday this week with our besties and their four boys. We are having a brilliant time and I am so much more aware of the small stuff that is making this holiday so good for everyone involved.
- Children of all ages and gender playing football and cricket on the grass area outside our mobile home.
- Lazy starts to the days with fresh croissants and tea.
- The sound of the crickets at dusk and watching the stars as I relax on the veranda when the boys are asleep.
- Family water fights.
- French bread and cheese (need I say more)!
- Laughter – lots of it mine and everyone else’s.
- Being able to read a book from start to finish.
- Diablos – Grenadine and Lemonade for the uninitiated.
- Free wifi – essential with tweens and teens.
- Icecreams.
I would love to know how what small changes you might make today to get out of autopilot.
Disclosure: I am working with Marks and Spencer in a paid relationship.
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