Making Every Day Special-Setting the Table
We all have one thing in common. We all eat. Food is nourishment for the body, the mind and the soul. I am not a health care practitioner nor am I nutritionist. I am coming from a point of view of how we set the table to eat and how it makes us feel. Nutritious food is one thing, but your table adds beauty, comfort and love. How you set the table is nourishment for the soul. The holidays are near. Soon tables will be set in celebration. Candles, flowers, decorations. The best plates, silverware, wine glasses, tablecloths and whatever your tradition and decorative heart desires will be laid out. The practice of setting the table has been with us for hundreds of years. No matter your economic, religious or current situation setting the table is an art of welcoming one to sit down and enjoy a meal, a conversation, family, friends, a celebration, you!
And that is how I define setting the table, a celebration of life, a celebration of you. In a busy life we run and pick up something on the go, or head for the freezer for some notion of food, and eat watching television, or scrolling social media. I tried something different. I felt I needed to elevate up how I felt in my own space. On a Sunday, at the Farmer’s Market, I picked up a colorful small bouquet of fresh flowers and placed them on the table. I also purchased fresh basil, tomatoes and other goodies. Later the evening I prepared a nice Caprese salad with balsamic vinaigrette and olive oil. I turned on a candle and opened a nice bottle of red. I then tuned in some beautiful soulful music. I dimmed the light just a bit to allow the flickering light of the candle to fill the room. Magic.
I felt so loved and so romantic. And yes, it was just me. The joy I felt inside was beautiful. The next morning, Monday, I made a fresh scramble with basil and fresh tomatoes, toast with my favorite spread, served myself a glass of fresh squeezed grapefruit juice and a cup of tea. I turned on my candle and put on nice background music. I felt I was in at least a four-star restaurant…seated in a well curated table with fresh flowers, candles and an amazing breakfast. A meal fit for a queen.
I felt creatively inspired, energized and very content. I finished my meal and sat quietly for a few moments in stillness taking in life. It felt like a celebration. Celebrating what? Me, Life, A new day? New possibilities. When you take care of yourself, life takes care you. It takes minimal time to do a bit more for you, your partner or family. Feeling special does not take much effort. Take a moment and make your day special. It’s a game changer.
This same scenario could be done with whatever makes you feel special. It’s the mindset. It is allowing yourself to be loved. It’s loving yourself. It’s being grateful for being, for the day, for the table you have set, for the place you are at right this minute. It is finding joy in everyday living. It’s brining out that special cup or dishware and not waiting for a holiday or special occasion because today, this very moment is a special occasion and you my dear are the guest of honor!
Set your table. Artfully, creatively, mindfully. Bring out your stored precious table ware and dust it off, a celebration is about to begin. And if it breaks celebrate that it was used in celebration and that it served its purpose. Everyday find one thing you can do to make your life feel special, because you are! And don’t stop there, place one thing in every room that makes you feel special or has a special memory and makes you smile.
