How Do You Live Your Best Life?

This post is sponsored by Abbott and its LIFE. TO THE FULLEST. initiative.

We’re two days and counting from the New Year, wrapping up our memories from 2015 and lining up our resolutions for 2016. I don’t make resolutions every year, but it does feel good when I do—setting intentions, throwing goals into the universe, all in pursuit of living my best life. In between those new resolutions every year and through what we learn from challenges and growth, though, we find what works for us—some constant practice that makes us feel fulfilled.

For me, diets and workout fads will wax and wane—although I’ll still get excited about new physical challenges. I’ll find inspiration in new self-help books, creative practices and exciting personal projects that will temporarily consume me, but they’ll come to a close and I’ll move on. Adventures to new places and relationships with new friends will bring joy, add interest, make memories, but waiting for the next adventure is not how I find my happiness—it’s in the stillness between the adventures too. Family will make me drunk on love and I’ll constantly feel life’s generous reward in being my children’s mother, my husband’s wife, my parents’ daughter, but I do not rely on my family to make me happy or to fill me up. So what is constant key to living my best life?

I live my best life in celebration. Finding the hidden celebratory opportunities that are buried throughout every phase of life, scattered as much in the monotony of our everyday routines as they are spread throughout the obvious events—vacations, weddings, graduations, personal successes. And celebration is not reserved for when life feels perfect. In fact, it is what carries me through the hard moments.

What does celebration look like? It’s as simple as using the good dishes on a Tuesday night. Hanging twinkle lights in a window when there isn’t a holiday in sight. Hosting a kitchen dance party—for one—while I’m cooking. Wearing red lipstick to the grocery store. Making a pot of coffee at noon and sitting down to savor it in the perfect mug.

Going for a moon walk and stopping to take a picture of the shadows cast by the street light—because it makes me happy. Putting stickers on an envelope before I send it—even if it’s just a utility bill. Baking a pie to give to a friend for no particular reason. Lighting candles, hosting friends, gathering my kids together and performing silly rituals in honor of a made-up holiday—Backwards Day and Wear Pink Day and Everybody Talk in an Accent Day.

Popping popcorn for a movie on the couch and pretending we’re at the theater. Turning up the music in the car and singing with the windows rolled down on the way to drop the kids off at school. Deciding last minute to head to the beach for a sunset picnic dinner.

Living my best life means waking up on any given day, in any given place, through any given circumstance, and finding something—even if it’s little—to celebrate.

You want to skip the small talk and go right for the meat on the bone at your next dinner party? Ask your guests how they’re living their best life.

I like people who go right for the meat, ask the good questions. Which is why I’m partnering with Abbott to create conversation about what living our best life means. It’s super simple–take a quick quiz and tell them what you think living your best life means. In your opinion, what is a full life?

(bringing back an oldie but a celebratory pic)