Earlier this year, I had a brilliant idea (for once) and set out to remind myself of the special bits of each day to help me get through not only the unspecial bits but also a big fat blogging slump. And hey, wouldn’t you know it, I am in another blogging slump! So it’s serendipity, perhaps, that I somehow stumbled onto that post this morning, titled What’s So Special About Today, Anyway?

So, even though the day has barely begun (well, for those of you without kids or jobs maybe), let me ponder all of the things that have been memorable or exceptional about today so far.

I drank hot coffee alone.

I took a cue from Scott, from This Daddy’s Blog, and I woke up a little earlier than the alarm clock in order to steal some much-yearned-for alone time, since I can’t seem to find any these days. Even though I did not get up quite as early as I’d intended, it was a major self-care win: I was out of bed and on the couch with my coffee with about 30 or 40 minutes alone. It was soul-gratifying to sip coffee while it’s hot, without my husband or child making demands requests. What a nice way to wake up–slowly–and prepare (ok, brace) for what the day may bring. I’m going to do this again tomorrow, but instead of watching tv and catching up on social media, I might read my neglected book or even do some writing.

I have to tell you a funny story before I get to the next special thing that happened today. Last night, I blew a fuse when I tried to make dinner with the oven fan on while I was rocking out to music. Note to self: Find a new home for the iPod docking station, far far away from the oven! My husband reset the clock on the oven–incorrectly. While I was reveling in the wonder that wow, my new morning routine meant I could possibly make it to work on time, it was actually 15 minutes later than the clock indicated. In other words, I thought I had time to sit down with Jax while he ate breakfast, but in reality, I was late to work and just didn’t know it yet!

Oh well, it was a peaceful morning while it lasted!

I got a girlfriend hug.

So I darted off to work, realizing along the way that I needed to stop for cash. Since I take the highway to work (hence, no ATMs), I decided to stop at the Rite Aid across the street from my work and pull my usual purchase-something-for-two-dollars-and-get-cash-back routine. I know you’re curious what I bought, so I’ll tell you–Dove dark chocolate. The pharmacist was at the front door, knocking to be let in because the store hadn’t actually opened yet.

The thing about this pharmacist is that we’ve come to kind of be friends. I’ve mentioned her before on this blog–I am so grateful to have met her exactly when I needed her! (Thank you, universe!)

Anyway, I got to talking to her this morning about the depression I feel setting in with the changing season, and she hugged me. She called it “a girlfriend hug.” Of course this made me cry, but it was a release kind of cry. It always feels good, even when it doesn’t feel good to cry, when someone gets what you’re feeling. And she made some helpful recommendations that I am seriously considering.

What have been the special bits of your day so far? Please join me in my quest for positivity!!