Today dawned a beautiful sunshiny day. I made myself a promise to soak up every bit of it, to take the time to really be present. There was yoga class and a brisk walk in the green space.
Afterwards I sat in a sunbeam on the back porch with a refreshing drink and a book. It was as close to a perfect moment as I have had in awhile.
I had this sweetheart for company. And she had her ball. Everywhere I looked today I saw yellow. Little reminders to make the most of this unexpectedly warm day because who knows what tomorrow will bring. Little reminders that when I take the time to notice the details, the little things, it changes me. I feel happier, more at peace and thankful for every bit of this life.
Today I did something I don't often do. I took time to take care of me without guilt! That is a very hard thing for me to do. I don't know why. I'm just not wired like that. The thing is, I'm just starting to realize how good that is for my soul and that when I give to myself, it turns out I have more to give to others. You have all probably figured this out already but I am a late bloomer. Or maybe I am blooming in just the right season for me.
What a wonderful thought "blooming in just the right season for me" is. Thanks for sharing that- it's inspiring, just like the yellow!
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely post! Thank you for sharing the little "pieces of perfect" that found you today :-)
ReplyDeleteEven in retirement, I have the work ethic that I must be doing something. But, I am finding that I love the days when I just sit in the garden and read.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had some lovely moments to enjoy!
ReplyDeleteHi! I love your bits of yellow- thank you for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteI am just like you. What is it with us that we can't take moments for ourselves without feeling guilty? I can do for everyone else but feel guilty doing for myself. That's crazy. For me, I think it was being raised on a farm where you are never quite "done" and feeling guilty not getting it all done.
ReplyDeleteI love your bits and pieces of yellow. We were happy to hear that our slightly jaundiced new baby was not quite "yellow" enough to need treatment...lol...and THAT (as Martha Stewart would say) is a GOOD thing. xo Diana
Love sunny happy days... And love that you savored every bit of it.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to see you enjoying the beautiful weather, it really is up and down this spring, so we take the good days when we can. It's inspiring to hear how important it is to take time for ourselves, I think we all need reminders. Sounds like you had an enjoyable day :)
ReplyDeleteTaking care of yourself is a good thing! It looks like things are finally starting to warm up a bit in Indiana!
ReplyDeleteI can SO relate! But as I often say, "better late than never!".
ReplyDeletexo~Jill
This happened for me around age 50. I just turned 57. I started paying attention to all the little simple things that began to give me such inordinate pleasure. I began to give myself the gift of happiness.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
the huge things that we happily commit to take such a greedy chunk our of our lives--whether it is our jobs, our passions, our hobbies, children, church, blogs, whatever. and, it is not a bad thing to give your all to something that you love or believe in, that is the definition of committment. but, on the flip side, we all need to feel the freedom of just doing whatever we feel like doing (sounding very hippy here :)) occasionally and without conditions or time limits. it makes us better moms, wives, friends, daughters, people to just sometimes live in the moment and read a book, paint our toenails, have a friends' date, just sit and take in a beautiful view, nap or just do nothing. the only guilt one should feel about doing this is not doing it. we are robbing our loved ones of the all we can give them if we do not take some time to refuel and reset that mom giving & loving thing that seems to be activated as soon as you have a child.
ReplyDeleteI love your last line. So very true. Not a later bloomer, just it wasn't your time yet. I give myself lots of me time and it does make me prepared to help with the little emergencies and sudden things that life throws at us. I then do not feel stressed or overwhelmed. Keep it up, your family will be happy you did! Kit
ReplyDeletewhat a lovely day! (and a lovely quilt!!!) i have found the same to be true…in taking a bit of time to refresh my soul, i have much more to pour into others. i think today might be a good day for a walk too around here! :)
ReplyDeleteSunshine makes all the difference. Good for you taking time to do something just for you! I have the same syndrome, hard for me to take care of myself with so many other things calling my name, but it really is the best thing to do.
ReplyDeleteLoved this post. A lot of wisdom here. =) blessings ~ tanna
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