Today, I am present. I am connecting. I will be better than I was yesterday. I will let go of things that I cannot control. I will listen to the interruptions of the day. I will find my joy. I will praise God in the midst of everything. I will be content. I am grateful. I am going to enjoy this journey of today. I will be the reason that someone smiles today.
Last week taught me to embrace and allow the small interruptions in my daily life. As you all know, on top of our full-time jobs, we are also starting our business (check it out here – Fyzical Centerville). We are opening soon and with that my anxiety is leaping out like a jack-in-a box. Hits me sometimes out of nowhere when I think about my growing list of things that we have not done and more importantly, the expenses!
Writing should have been my solace, but this too has made it as a to-do list. Overwhelmed, I turn to only thing that has been my refuge – down on my knees to surrender all the swirl I have created. The pearl of wisdom that I received is to enjoy this journey of my life and surrender to the daily interruptions. Psalm 34 tells me to taste and see the goodness of God.
So, I let go. There is nothing else for me to do but to let go of things I cannot control. It is hard as you can imagine if you know me. My mind is constantly thinking, strategically planning, writing goals, etc. so this slowing down is a process. I need to use the gifts given me to my advantage not to work against me.
Slowing down does come with pleasant surprises. Every morning when I drop off my youngest son to school, I look forward to watching the sun rise. It is quite enchanting to see each morning unfolds – the burst of color is different each time. Never fails to give me that feeling of bliss.
Life is beautiful my friends. Let us enjoy this ride for it is the only one we will ever get. Find the beauty in the trivial things – like the sunrise or hug from a loved one. If you are feeling overwhelmed today, stop and take a deep breath. Cry, if you need to. Let it all melt away. Slow down, my friend. Let us enjoy this journey together.
It’s 5:44 and thank goodness the workday is finally done. I bid this week goodbye and the 5 things I would like to share with you.
This is me welcoming the weekend.
Good Saturday morning everyone! The sun is out and hopefully will thaw out the Midwest in the next few days. We had ice and snow the last 3 days, not anywhere near what Boston had but more than enough to shut us inside the house.
I have told myself to go out, brave the cold, and take pictures of the snowy landscape all around me. Winter brings about a different kind of beauty for me, particularly how the sunrise gives different hues each winter morning or how the barren trees cast a stark foreground to a beautiful blue sky.
This is what I see each day as I work and look out my window at home.
I never got around to doing it this week because let us face it – it is cold outside. I like my cocoon. I like my warmth even if I have acclimated to the cold winters for the last twenty years. An island girl always long for the call of the ocean wherever she is.
I did get to enjoying the snow before the day ended yesterday. Well, to be honest, my boys (for no matter how old they get, they will always be my boys) guilted me into going out. I spent an hour playing with them and the dogs (my girls) in the backyard. I know their goal – tackle momma in the snow. Every year. Every time. I do not really mind but of course, I do not tell them that. We know it and they know it.
Our mini bernedoodle, Leia, also discovered her mountain dog side! It was fun to see her rolling around in the snow, but it was a chore to get her dry. Our pandemic puppy is afraid of missing out and has separation anxiety. Two traits I hear are common with pandemic puppies, because we have been by their side the last two years.
Leia enjoying the snow and bolting to our neighbor to say Hi while I’m screaming for the boys to get her.
Now that I have written down my thoughts about yesterday, I am not sure why I am sharing the mundane with you. Maybe because remarkable things come in small packages especially time with family. More than anything.
So, as we bookend the week, I hope you enjoy today and tomorrow with the ones you love near or far. Enjoy the gift of time given today. Smile and see the treasure in front of you.
Be like Leia and not miss out on today.
I have been trying to write a new post for the last four days. The words in my mind just would not flow freely via my keyboard. Probably because of the merging thoughts and to do lists cycling through my mind.
So, I sit and stare outside – watching the snowflakes swirl and flutter to the ground and listen, on repeat, to this song Shall Not Want. I am letting this song wash over me, remind me, let it stick to my soul, and for my spirit to listen.
Maybe we need more of this – a moment of stillness, to get centered. I am subconsciously making up for the last two years when everything slowed. I have lists (and a number of to dos) needing to get checked like Santa’s little helpers do on Christmas eve. I feel like the White Rabbit from Alice or am I Alice falling into the rabbit hole?
As I think and write about this, I feel guilty because mine are momentary troubles. There are others out there who cannot even make a list or look forward to tomorrow.
So, I welcome this hour, this time of silent reflection, even when my thoughts are all over the place. I recognize that I need to pause and appreciate what life is giving me. Trust that everything will work itself out.
I am welcoming the joy that rises within me as I write this. This hour is a reminder to be thankful for the small moments because they will fill up my bucket. Like the snow that continues to fall as they are kisses from heaven – each one special and distinct.
Vian Wheatley 