Backstory: DNS stands for “Do Not Share” and represents the bottles of wine in our basement on which we’ve spent too much money. They were purchased amidst conversations such as “This would be great for your milestone birthday! We can open this on our anniversary! Let’s save this for…”, but then they sit on the shelves because nothing ever seems quite “DNS-worthy”.

Ridiculous. These are meant to be enjoyed!

So this week I’m going to open one up, let it breathe, then pour it into the Waterford crystal glasses my mother gave me decades ago for my Hope Chest.

Anyone else have one of those lying around? When was the last time you opened it? When was the last time you used one of the “special” items stored inside?

Here’s your Nudge to do just that.

P.S. I’m not yet sure of my husband’s plans this week, but I will try to work around his schedule so he can share in this. If he isn’t available, I’m still going to do this Nudge by and for myself. Whether you’re with a significant other, a houseful of cranky teenagers, a roommate, friends, or just your wonderful self, I hope you’ll find a way to treat yourself to something extra special this week. Don’t have anything stashed away? Why not splurge a bit and go get something, even if it’s just one glass of a super delicious beverage at a restaurant or bar? Not a drinker? Then buy the fancy chocolate or overpriced organic produce or the freshest and most delicious cut of something at the butcher’s or fish counter. You’re worth it!

What Happened: Last night, I ordered Chinese food for delivery. But instead of eating out of the little white boxes in front of the TV (a typical weeknight practice after long days), we spooned our food onto the good china plates and took everything to the dining room table. I lit some candles, and I poured the wine into the beautiful Waterford glasses. Everything about this meal encouraged taking our time. We ate—not gobbled—our food. We sipped a gorgeous wine that encouraged enjoying, not overdoing. We had a relaxed conversation, versus trying to achieve relaxation by zoning out.

It was a lovely evening.

Ah-Hah: Making tonight happen actually took very little effort. Why is it I felt like it would be a hassle? I clearly spent no time on food prep, and cleanup was not so bad. Amazing how just a few adjustments—using the good plates and glasses, choosing to sit at the table versus the TV trays—could make such a difference in how truly relaxed we felt.

Also, sometimes I look at our modest collection of wine in the basement and I imagine how I’ll feel if it all comes crashing down in an earthquake. Sobering, right? (And I realize that was a lousy pun.) We’ve worked hard for the nice things we have in life, and it’s time we started enjoying the fruits—and wines—of our labors.