Five Blissful Moments and a Natural Bliss Gift Pack Giveaway

Taking it all in, Mount Rainier National Park.

Blissful moments are moments where, for a split second or longer, we're reminded of how amazing life is. Whether expected and sought out or completely unexpected, it's important to savor the whenever they come. I know if I'm deep in the woods or out one the mountain somewhere, these types of moments come more frequently. That's a big part of why I find nature restorative, even in the smallest doses. But even if you find your moments elsewhere by design, those that catch us by surprise can be the most fun to enjoy.

Blissful Moment: Taking a deep breath in the middle of the woods.

I've written about how short walks in the woods can be restorative, but so can single moments in nature. On a recent trip to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, our hiking group took a break on one of the more challenging parts of the trail. As we stood in the middle of the woods, I turned to look at the trail behind us, closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and couldn't wipe the smile off my face for the majority of the rest of the hike. Though feeling that type of happiness in the woods isn't unexpected for me, I often have to remind myself to stop and smell the proverbial roses once in a while.

Blissful Moment: Waiting out in the cold and finding a sliver of sun.

Earlier this month, as is typical, I was walking down the subway platform in the middle of Philadelphia one morning to catch the train to work. It was a brisk 34ºF out and I was feeling grumpy about being awake earlier than normal, and chilled because I hadn't worn a scarf. I had my new Copco tumbler, which I got as part of my complimentary gift pack from Coffee-mate, filled to the brim with locally roasted, freshly ground, home brewed coffee. Without paying attention, I walked right into a delightful sliver of sunlight filtering through the roof over the platform. In that moment, I relaxed and reminded myself how much I love this time of year.

Blissful Moment: When everything comes together.

When it comes to travel, as much as I love seeing new places, I tend to be commitment-phobic. Whether it's setting plans for a camping trip a month in advance or booking a plane ticket, I always need to explore all possible options, which I blame on my generally over-analytical brain. But the moments after campsites are booked and reservations are made, I'm always so happy and excited for what's to come. Earlier this month, after much debate and itinerary changing, I finally booked my plane ticket to Jackson Hole for what's shaping up to be the trip of a lifetime with friend Heather and a group of others. We'll be exploring the Tetons via Victor, Idaho and spending a few days in Yellowstone via the snow lodge. Committing to that trip was certainly a blissful and exciting moment.

Blissful Moment: Reaching your destination, wherever or whatever it might be.

Climbing over the crater rim on top of Mount Rainier. Popping out of the woods and into Hickory Run State Parks' massive boulder field (pictured right). Setting a new PR (personal record) on a lift during a CrossFit training session. Though I firmly believe there's as much joy in the journey as there is in arriving at your destination, it's still pretty awesome when you accomplish something you've set out to do.

Blissful Moment: The first sip of coffee or tea in the morning, and the first sip of hot cocoa after playing outside in cold weather.

Whether your hot beverage of choice is coffee, tea, cocoa, even apple cider, there's just something special about that first sip. Though I don't drink coffee for the caffeine, (at least, that's what I tell myself!), the first sip on my way out the door is a comforting part of my routine. And after waiting through three seasons, taking a big gulp of hot apple cider from Cornell Orchards in my hometown is guaranteed blissful moment. Finally, there's the sip of hot cocoa on a midday break from skiing that seems to thaw out your entire body. So wonderful.

Enter to win a Blissful Moments Gift Pack from Coffee-Mate!

It doesn’t take a lot to brighten our days. Coffee-mate provided me with a personalized Natural Bliss gift pack that includes some everyday essentials for enjoying life’s simple, happy moments, and they've offered to give the same gift pack to one lucky reader. The gift pack includes a coupon for Coffee-mate Natural Bliss, a $5 Target Gift Card, a coffee tumbler (like mine pictured above), a vanilla bean scented candle, and Italian biscotti cookies. Be sure to provide an email address or some method for us to contact you if you win. Good luck!

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