Lemon water. That’s where this blog started a year ago, and I figure there’s no better way to start the blog this year than with the elixir that has been a constant for me over the past 12 months. It’s the first thing I have in the morning, and it has actually taken the place of my morning cup of coffee. Two steaming mugs of lemon water are all I need for a refreshing start to my day.
There are numerous articles that extol the benefits of drinking lemon water: it’s a good source of vitamin C, potassium and folic acid; it aids in digestion; it boosts your energy. Check out the many benefits listed here and here.
If you don’t already drink lemon water, I encourage you to give it a try – even if only for a few weeks to see if it makes a positive change in your life. After one year of sipping lemon water every morning, it’s definitely made a difference in mine!
“How?” you ask.
The act of drinking lemon water can be a metaphor for life, or at least a pleasant way to go about living it. Here’s how:
Slow Down
A hot beverage has one obvious natural effect: It. Slows. You. Down. There is no way you can gulp down a hot cup of coffee or tea, and taking the time to let the beverage cool down is a ritual we all follow, whether we’re aware of it or not.
Think about how you can take this ritual one step further and apply it to your own life: take one moment at a time; think before you speak; treasure the present; live and be in the moment.
Savor the Flavor
There’s something magical about that first burst of tang as you sip lemon water. It awakens you, arouses the senses, makes you aware of the goodness that is going down and brings ordinary water to life.
How can you savor more out of life? More than simply living in the moment, revel in the time you have with others. Put down the smartphone and have a conversation. Look people in the eye. Read, play and laugh with your children. Have thoughtful dialogue and heartfelt exchanges with your partner. Emanate love and gratitude to those around you and it will be returned to you.
Embrace the Warmth
Finally, there is nothing like wrapping your hands around a warm cup of goodness to warm your soul and fill your heart. Take this as a reminder to embrace life – and those in your life – and to squeeze out all the goodness you can experience. You only have this one life to live. Make it count!
I have my lemon mixed with apple cider vinegar and cranberry. It’s a tangy way to start the day and I feel refreshed!
Oooo…yum, Ellen! I never thought of adding more goodness to my lemon water, but I will try it. I could never get used to drinking that apple cider vinegar “with the ‘Mother'” — I know it’s so good for you — so maybe this will be how I can incorporate that into my daily morning ritual. Thanks so much for the suggestion!