We are now into the 6th day of 2015.  As I look around my house I see remnants of Christmas just past—stale cookies I haven’t eaten, and a newly formed belly roll from all the cookies I have.  Slivers of wrapping paper strewn on the floor, my tree still up, and my poinsettias suddenly dropping leaves like they’ve developed some horrible disease.  Bills are coming in bundles, while my bank balance is shrinking like a cheap cotton t-shirt. Worst of all, I haven’t written a single thank you for any of  the glorious gifts I received.

Surely it’s much better at your house, right?  Your holiday decorations are snuggled up in the attic for a long winter’s nap. You’ve exchanged every gift that didn’t make the cut—for something even more wonderful.  And you discover, as you position yourself on the scale for the first time since Thanksgiving, that you have only gained half a pound.  Congratulations.

I guess I could feel dejected before the new year even gets going. My life isn’t perfect, nor will it ever be. But life doesn’t have to be perfect to be perfectly wonderful.

Instead of bemoaning my disappointment and disorganization,  I’m going to sit down in front of my tree tonight and savor the glow of the bubble lights, recall the joy of spending Christmas morning with my family, and reread the stack of holiday cards that have piled up in my kitchen.

I’m not on a timeline, the only time that matters is NOW. Making the most of every moment—that’s the present.

So I leave you with this brilliant insight from Leigh Standley about the “real” secret to a fabulous life:  LIVE IMPERFECTLY WITH GREAT DELIGHT.

Now, where did I put those thank you notes?