Have you ever noticed how there seems to be a “National Day” for just about everything?
National Donut Day. National Gardening Day. National Leftovers Day. (Okay, I made that last one up, but I probably could find it somewhere!)
Today, August 27, happens to be especially busy. According to the various calendars that keep track of these things, it’s National Banana Lovers Day, National Peach Day, National Just Because Day, World Rock Paper Scissors Day, and National Pots de Crème Day.
I couldn’t resist.
First, there’s National Banana Lovers Day. A couple of fun banana facts: Bananas aren’t actually trees. They’re the world’s largest flowering herb. And botanically speaking, bananas are berries. (Because apparently bananas enjoy confusing us.) Who knew? 
Then there’s National Peach Day, which seems perfectly timed for late August when those juicy, fragrant peaches are showing up at farmers markets and grocery stores. Peaches originated in China and have been cultivated for thousands of years. That’s a pretty impressive history for something that ends up dripping down your chin at a summer picnic.
National Just Because Day might be my favorite. It’s reportedly the creation of Joseph J. Goodwin of California, who started it as a family holiday in the 1950s. The premise is wonderfully simple: Do something just because.
No reason required. No productivity points awarded. No box to check.
And then there’s World Rock Paper Scissors Day, created in 2014 by the World Rock Paper Scissors Association. The game itself goes back more than 2,000 years to China. So the next time you settle an argument with “rock, paper, scissors,” remember, you’re participating in an ancient tradition.
Finally, there’s National Pots de Crème Day. This one celebrates the little French baked custard whose name literally means “pot of cream.” Chocolate and vanilla are classic versions. And apparently, nobody knows exactly who decided we needed a national day devoted to it.
Which brings up the obvious question: Who makes these days official anyway? 
The answer is…well, it depends. There isn’t one official organization handing out certificates for National Days. Some are created by organizations, businesses or individuals. Others have historical or cultural origins. And calendars such as National Day Calendar collect and promote these observances.
But here’s what I really like about all of this:
You don’t need a national organization to give you permission to celebrate something.
So today and/or tomorrow and/or next week, pick one. Or more.
Eat a peach. Make something with bananas. Challenge someone to a game of rock-paper-scissors. Try a little pots de crème. Take a walk. Sit outside with your coffee. Call a friend. Buy yourself flowers.
Or do absolutely nothing productive for ten minutes.
Do it just because.
Because not everything has to be useful, healthy, efficient or productive.
Sometimes, joy is reason enough.
Sending love,
Health Coach Carol
“Find ecstasy in life; the mere sense of living is joy enough.” ~Emily Dickinson
