I haven’t heard anyone say this recently. At least I don’t think I have. It’s the stereotypical banal American greeting or end of a conversation. “Have a nice day!” shop owners used to say, as you left their store. Not that they really cared. It was just what you said. Like when you run into someone and say “Hi! How are you?” and don’t listen to their answer. A social nicety.

I haven’t heard it and I don’t miss it. But when you stop and think about it, as I did this morning, it is a nice wish, if it’s sincere.

I’d like to have a nice day. In fact, I’d like to have a very nice day. I’d like to have a very nice day every day.

I try and remember to tell my kids to have fun each day when I say goodbye to them. (Well, only to my son. My daughter I don’t get to talk to every day.) I try to remember to have fun each day myself. To give myself a nice day.

Earlier today I was feeling overwhelmed. Too much to do and not enough time to do it. Too many emails to respond to, proposals to get out (which is a great problem to have), and calls to make. Too much to accomplish for work and for home – I was juggling both, right or wrong.

I stopped for a few moments to breathe and meditate, and realized I wasn’t having a very nice day. I was rushing too much, or at least feeling too stressed. I also realized that I could have a nice day, if I decided to.

So I changed my outlook. I still got done what I needed to get done, and I also managed my expectations for what really needed to get done. I worked in a few minutes of tasks that I wanted to get done. That I would enjoy. I looked out the window at the trees for a few seconds, made myself a cup of tea that I love, and decided to have a nice day. I appreciated the work I get to do that I love to do, the family I love, the friends I’m graced with, the ease with which I can approach things. I paused.

I decided to have a nice day. I’m having a nice day. It’s very, very nice.

I hope you’re having a nice day too!

I’d love to hear your thoughts, and please share this post with others if it resonates with you!

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