Technically, every day is a once-in-a-lifetime day. But it is always fun when the numbers align like they do today to make it feel extra unique.

This morning, because my facebook and email were lighting up with 12-12-12 notices and celebrations, and because quite a few of them gave a head nod to the impending end-of-the-world predicted by the Mayans, I took a moment to reflect on the miracle of this day.

And by this day, I mean in a global sense. For each one is a singular event.

I don’t know about you, but I find I lose sight of that in the all-out sprint that is most days for me.

Rather than start each day with the question, “How will I make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime day?” 99.999% of the time I start with the question, “What do I need to get done today?”

While many days and weeks I am confident that my to-do list is in sync with my big picture and how I want to use the time I have been allotted, I would be lying if if failed to admit that there are still many days where I feel the pinch of misalignment.

Deep down I know that doing or achieving specific things is not a magic recipe for making the most of my time. In fact, many of the most beautiful moments of my life thus far probably would appear pretty mundane to outside observers.

A bed time snuggle with my boys
A moment of jumping in puddles after running a 5k in the pouring rain with my mom one Mother’s Day
Pulling out four loaves of freshly baked bread from of the oven
Rolling up my sleeves and volunteering
Taking my first hot shower after Hurricane Sandy
Greeting my ailing step-dad with a kiss on the forehead and a hot cup of coffee when he needed some TLC
Catching up with a great friend over coffee
Eating a piece of toast slathered with raspberry jam
Responding to buttoned up challengers and boot campers as they check-in with me
Creating something new and useful for Buttoned Up – whether it’s a blog post or a boot camp or a new product
Wiggling my toes in the sand
Helping someone by just being a sounding board
Cracking a tough problem
Planning my week
Sharing an inside joke with my siblings
Sending Christmas cards
Holding hands with Gar on a road trip
Analyzing data (nerd alert!)
Getting a flash of insight about something business-related

I could go on and on. I have amassed millions of these big/little moments in my life. I feel lucky for each one. And I know that as long as I continue to cultivate my awareness of (and ability to enjoy) the present moment, I will make the most of my once-in-a-lifetime days.

The greatest thief of the present moment, in my experience, is disorganization.

That’s why I am so passionate about about the topic.

Let this day be the day you begin to review your life and take steps to getting organized. Make today an extra-special day in your life.

What are you doing today to mark this date?