Red-letter days

I have always believed in red-letter days, and I know I’m not the only one…The remarkable American author, Helen Keller, once wrote:

“Red-letter days are divine moments, when the perplexities, irritations, and worries that have absorbed us pass like unpleasant dreams, and we wake to see with new eyes and hear with new ears the beauty of God’s real world.  On days like these the solemn nothings that fill our everyday life, blossom suddenly into bright possibilities.”

I suppose red-letter days mean many different things to many different people. For some people, a red-letter day would be seeing the Northern Lights in Alaska. For others, it would be walking along the iconic Great Wall of China, or seeing the unique landscape of Cappadocia in Turkey, with its fairy chimneys and cave dwellings, at sunrise, from a hot air balloon!

I have experienced a sunset in the beautiful Santorini, in Greece, with my family, watching the sky transform into a canvas of soft pinks, fiery oranges, and deep purples, and I have had the privilege of swimming in the coral-rich waters of Mauritius, relaxing under a cabana at the luxurious Le Saint Géran hotel, cocktail in hand. Alas, for me, nowadays, red-letter days have become much simpler, but believe me, they are still just as meaningful. 

I don’t know exactly if it has something to do with being over fifty-five years of age, but I firmly believe that red-letter days don’t have to be big, flashy moments, like epic vacations, milestone celebrations, or career achievements.

Psychologists say, that whether you’re on a fitness journey, running a household, or balancing the demands of work and life, embracing simple red-letter days can boost your happiness, deepen your appreciation for life, and even recharge you to tackle your goals.

That impromptu coffee date with a friend, a phone call with a family member you haven’t spoken to in a while, or even a heart-to-heart conversation with your child, can turn an ordinary day into something special. These connections remind us that we’re not alone and that we’re surrounded by people who care.

A Red-Letter Day can be something as simple as lifting a bit more weight than last week, completing a challenging workout, or finding the courage to try a new fitness class. Every one of these small wins represents growth, resilience, and strength.

And this, to me, is the most important thing about red-letter days – we don’t only have the power to create them, we have a responsibility to create them! As John Maxwell beautifully said:

“You cannot change something in your life unless you change something you do daily.”

We often hear people talk about how certain days were “meant to be”, or how these remarkable moments just “fell into place”. But the reality? These red-letter days rarely just come to us. Often, they are a result of conscious daily choices, and relentless pursuit of our goals.

I suppose there’s comfort in thinking that significant, positive events are just waiting for us, destined to happen. But this can often turn into a passive mindset, one where we sit and wait for a stroke of good fortune. In fitness, and life, the difference between waiting and creating is massive. The power lies in taking ownership of our journey, believing that each step forward is our path to creating memorable days.

The other side of the coin is also true – we often look forward to things ending, rather than anticipating their beginning. ”Can’t wait for the weekend”, “Can’t wait to go home”, and, “Ugh…can’t wait for the Challenge to be over”. Sounds familiar, hmm?

In his book “A room with a view”, the English novelist, EM Foster writes: “One has to have something to look forward to.”  (If you are a Challenge member, please send this quote to Mirna before 20:00). And this is where anticipation comes in regarding red-letter days. Did you know, research has shown that planning or looking forward to a trip can make you feel happier than actually going on the trip? Knowing you have something to look forward to, can give you an extra little boost of excitement, the willingness to keep going, and it gives you hope. 

Red-letter days also start with intention – the decision to sign up for a Fitness Challenge, take part in a Flashmob, or completing a 10km run…Every red-letter day is built on countless ordinary days of showing up. It’s in the early mornings, the consistent workouts, and the quiet discipline when no one is watching that real progress is made. The days may blur together, but each one is a building block for those moments we celebrate.

Red-letter days don’t have to mean life-changing achievements. They can be a simple recognition of how far you’ve come. Does this make any sense?

And then, there’s gratitude – one of the easiest ways to turn a regular day into a red-letter day. By finding joy in connection, solitude, small victories, and simple pleasures, you can transform your life into one that’s filled with joy, meaning, and appreciation.

Sometimes, it’s the little things that add the most warmth to our lives: a warm bath, a cosy blanket, or the first sip of coffee in the morning. These small, sensory experiences have the power to ground us in the present and bring us immense joy. These are the red-letter days, and we should embrace them.

Red-letter days don’t need to be grand or rare – It’s things like the privilege of being part of a Flashmob-dance with 40 energetic women at the Merino Mall, and afterwards, at Panarottis restaurant, receiving a surprise ice-cream and a plate with this chocolate inscription, “Thank God, He Blessed us with you. Love you.” It’s hosting a thrilling, filled to the brim, Rebounding Day in aid of CANSA. It’s visiting Zander, Mariné and Nina in Stellenbosch, and watching in awe how my granddaughter is getting more beautiful by the day, and it’s enjoying a peaceful dinner with Eswee and Nicole, sharing their excitement about the upcoming wedding which is now only weeks away!

We all need red-letter days. They offer a refreshing break from our everyday routines, they often lead to unforgettable experiences, they encourage us to foster gratitude, and sometimes they remind us how far we’ve come. In essence, these days serve as reminders to slow down, cherish life, and find joy in both the extraordinary AND everyday moments.  

There’s so much magic woven into everyday life, it’s really, entirely up to us to turn solemn nothings  into red-letter days with meaningful moments…

The best days are the ones we build. So, let’s live for those divine moments worth making, and celebrate life’s bright possibilities – one red-letter day at a time…

Yours in fitness

Mirna
082 779 0507