A Day That Matters

The line “Don’t have a good day. Have a day that matters,” from the Shirley MacLaine movie The Last Word, struck a deep chord in me. It invited me to pause and ask: What does a day that truly matters look and feel like—for me, for you?

Does it require something grand, like marching in a protest, feeding the hungry, or healing the sick? Must a meaningful day always be defined by big gestures? I don’t think so. What matters is shaped by our own perspective, our own values, and the season of life we’re in.

While those larger acts of service are undeniably important, they aren’t the only ways to create “a day that matters.” For me, meaning often shows up in smaller, quieter moments: an engaging conversation with a friend, a few hours volunteering at the little bookshop in the library, or unhurried time with someone I love. Even tending to my own well-being—drinking enough water, eating mindfully, catching my breath in the middle of a busy day—can turn an ordinary day into one that feels intentional.

A meaningful day, I’ve learned, is also one aligned with our personal values. My top five are Love, Compassion, Creativity, Faith, and Learning. So I ask myself: Am I planning my days in alignment with what matters most to me? Or am I simply reacting to whatever comes along? Honor is another one of my core values—honoring my commitments to others, yes, but also honoring the promises I make to myself. Flexibility is important, but so are the “self-ordered patterns of time” that help me stay grounded.

What matters to you?

What small or significant choices would shape a day that feels meaningful, nourishing, or purposeful?

And how might tomorrow become a day that truly matters—by your own definition?