Two Minutes Du Jour

Beyond our daily responsibilities to others, there’s value in committing to certain activities just for ourselves—actions that guarantee a good day regardless of what else happens. These are what I call “non-negotiables.” These personal rituals ensure that no matter the day’s activities, we end it feeling fulfilled.

I am inspired by CEO Marilyn Carlson Nelson, whose book How We Lead Matters – Reflections on a Life of Leadership shares her wise and compelling stories. In one essay, she describes living each day as if proud to “sign your name.”

Every day is a blank canvas, and we are all artists of our own lives. We create daily with the strokes of our actions and decisions. Are we laying it on thick? Is it a watercolor wash of gentle moments or a detailed sketch of precise, deliberate actions? When we go to bed at night, would we feel good about signing our name to our day? Would it reflect the day we set out to have, crafted with intentionality and did we fulfill commitments to ourselves?

Identifying a short list of things you will do every day without fail is essential. These non-negotiables – like playing the guitar, sketching a picture or going to the gym — might change as your needs change, but their importance remains constant.

My current daily non-negotiables include:

• Taking a walk with my husband and our dog Duke
• Practicing yoga, especially early in the morning
• Spending a few minutes on Duolingo
• Preparing content for Two Minutes Du Jour

None of these need to take more than a few minutes, although the longer, the better if I have my druthers. Each of these activities contributes a unique brushstroke to the canvas of my day, adding colors of movement, mindfulness, learning, and sharing.

In Minnesota, walking means gearing up for all seasons, observing nature and enjoying fresh air and conversation no matter the weather. My yoga sessions vary from brief morning stretches to more extended Ashtanga or Vinyasa flows, each practice enriching my well-being. And with Duolingo, whether I’m refreshing my Spanish or dabbling in French, each lesson is a step towards keeping my mind sharp.

You know about Two Minutes Du Jour. It’s my daily practice of reading, listening, thinking, and writing—a commitment born out of passion. It’s my way of staying connected and sharing my findings.

So, as I lie down each night, no matter what else has happened during the day, I know I’ve honored my commitment to myself. In essence, we are crafting a life that brings meaning, purpose and joy day by day.

Consider your own daily canvas and create a few non-negotiables that might make your day not just bearable but deeply satisfying.

Two Links Du Jour

How to Get More Committed to Yourself – Zen Habits

How to Define Your Non-Negotiables—and Get Others to Respect Them — Reader’s Digest — https://www.rd.com/article/non-negotiables/