Little Pieces Of My Day
I start my day by having breakfast and pouring myself a cup of coffee. I take my coffee over to the couch and the dogs settle in beside me.
My day moves forward as usual.
This is the side view from where I sit sipping my coffee.
Occasionally I look up from my laptop to watch the birds that fly around the bird bath. They are a constant blur all day long.
Nature is important to my day and piece of mind. Somehow just watching nature relaxes and centers me. It empties my mind of the world news and worries outside my door.
All those other things go into an invisible shredder as I enjoy whatever is on the other side of that patio door.
“The trick is to enjoy life. Don’t wish away your days, waiting for better ones ahead.” ―
Marjorie Pay Hinckley
At some point during my morning, depending on the heat, I will go outside and water the plants.
I stroll around the patio and dead head what few blooms that are left. I always pause to enjoy the deepening color of the sedum autumn joy as September moves onward.
The dogs are always with me, and they sniff and check everything out as dogs are prone to do.
As I age, the more important the little pieces of my day are to me.
Watching a bird hop around the patio. The light as it changes throughout the day. The lengthening of shadows as the season moves forward.
When I was a younger woman, I did not understand the importance of this. How pausing to reflect is so vital to contentment.
But now I do.
I no longer rush everything. Moving from one thing to another. Cleaning and cooking and running errands. Getting things done.
At the end of the day, I want to be able to say that I truly enjoyed it all.
“We’re so busy watching out for what’s just ahead of us that we don’t take time to enjoy where we are.”
―
Bill Watterson
YOU ARE SO RIGHT, SO WELL SAID.
I READ SOMEWHERE,
"LIFE IS MADE OF TWO DATES AND A DASH. MAKE THE DASH COUNT"
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE SLOW DOWN AND ENJOY THE SMALL MOMENTS THAT MAKE UP OUR DAY.LOOK AT OUR SURROUNDINGS AND TRULY SEE NATURE'S WONDERS.
IT SADDENS ME WHEN I SEE SO MANY PEOPLE WHO'S DAYS ARE SPENT FOCUSED ON THE SMALL ELECTRONIC DEVICE IN THEIR HAND, CONSIDERED VITAL TO THEIR VERY EXISTENCE.
BREATHE, PAUSE AND BE GRATEFUL FOR OUR MANY BLESSINGS.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO, FOR WHAT YOU GIVE OF YOURSELF TO ALL OF US.
SNUGGLES TO THE PUPSTERS.
Snippets of life, all of the little things that we take for granted are what matters. "We do not remember days, we remember moments."
Love the little pieces of your day. I sit next to a window as I work and the other day a hummingbird flew by and then sucked the nectar from a plant beside the window. I jumped up and I was so excited, I felt as if I had "wind the lottery." It was a magical moment and I am still thinking about it.
What you say about taking things slowly is the most fulfilling way to live. Our culture does everything to discourage us from doing that. It takes a lot of purposeful thinking to slow down and, as they say, smell the roses. Especially if you are involved in making a living or caring for small children or need to have supper ready when everyone gets home. But it can be done, if only in small increments. I feel lucky to have the days to myself recently since my grandsons are in school all day, now.
It is so enriching to the soul to be able to watch the birds feed or the wind blow the trees or the busy, busy squirrels hiding their winter meals away. Sometimes I like to just lie on my couch and look out the big bay window at the clouds. I discovered how soothing this is last winter when I was laid up with a painful knee.
Nice, post, Brenda. Good reminder to appreciate the little things around us every day.
This is so true and wonderful that you shared. The view to your patio is so pretty. Xoxo
Slowing down is the best part of aging.
I didn't realize it when I was younger either. I guess that's why we become wiser with age!
I love your coffee center. so cute and well put together.Love the little cabinet
that says Coffee.
As I get older, I seem to appreciate the little things too. Wish I could have
known this when I was younger. When life was such a rush. Hurrying home from work, only to rush through the night to start a new day.. my, my!!
Hope you have a good day.
I READ THIS SOMEWHERE
"Your life is made of two DATES and a DASH. Make the most of the DASH."
YOU ARE SO RIGHT. ENJOY LIFE, FIND JOY, COMFORT AND PERSONAL SATISFACTION IN THE SMALL THINGS.
SO MUCH IS BEING MISSED BY THE PEOPLE WHO SPEND THEIR DAYS AND NIGHTS FOCUSED ON THE SMALL ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENT THAT IS IN THEIR HAND.
I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE BEAUTY OF NATURE AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY IT EVERYDAY.
HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY, SNUGGLES TO THE PUPSTERS !
Before I read your post I was griping about our hot hot prolonged summer and was wishing for a cool autumn rain. Did a reset and am enjoying the 'now' ! Thanks, Brenda, for a good knock on the side of the head!
This post moved me to the depths,Brenda. I too count on the invisible shredder of nature to cleanse my mind and soul from the assaults coming so incessantly from the news and world. How else can we stay sane? Otis and Milo sharing my day are the balm to me as your little ones are to you. I love the peace you've written about here.
I'd go completely crazy if I didn't have my "invisible shredder!"
Beautiful post, Brenda. Thanks
Hi Brenda~
It sounds like we have the same attitude about growing older and appreciating the small, but wonderful aspects of everyday, ordinary life. How sad would it be if we rushed through life, missing all that nature has to offer.
Your views are beautiful, I especially love the photo of your cute little pup, he's adorable!
Hugs,
Barb
We all rush. We just need to remember to tell ourselves to loosen up and take our time.
It's funny how as we get older I think we are more satisfied with having our days much the same, or at least it seems that way to me. My husband passed away 3 years ago after being in a nursing home for 2 years after a severe stroke. After his death I expected to work 3 more years until my official retirement age. The Lord had other plans for me. At the end of November last year the law office I had worked at for over 14 years pretty much closed (couldn't afford to have any secretaries). I was in a state of shock at first but was determined to get all the unemployment benefits I had coming to me. As the weeks went by I started enjoying my "free to do what I wanted to" time more and more. By the time my benefits ran out I didn't care if I found a job or not and due to my husband's pension that made it possible. I have come to have my days in order and spend them as I wish — Perry Mason every morning, some outdoor work, quilting, reading, and breakfast one morning a week with a group of friends. I also have time to visit my children and their spouses, they both live 4 hours away so I go for an overnight stay. I am enjoying my simple life and wouldn't change a thing except for preferring my husband to share it with me. Life is good.
I agree with everything you have said, Brenda. Indeed, as I have grown older (just turned 78 Saturday) I have learned to appreciate every aspect of nature, small and not so small. I have read it's the small things that are really the glue that holds everything together in our life, that is good and important.When I think back to ages 20 to 40, it wasn't really that way. Always on the go, always wanting more, never stopping to smell the roses. I finds that this is the age of contentment, and I plan on enjoying every "little" thing, while I can.Always love your post, Brenda…thanks for sharing with us…
I love how you express yourself and I find inspiration from your blog. It is like talking to a friend.
That's how I feel talking to all of you!
I am trying to slow down and enjoy what is around me but some days it's just impossible!
But you've got not only grandkids around, but also your mother. So that's understandable!
Great reminders Brenda. My desk faces to our backyard and I love to watch the squirrels scamper around the yard! laura
Sometimes I really miss having a nice big yard…
i love your blog.
I love that you love the simplicity and beauty of your life just as it is.
I do my own as well. but I can't or don't say it nearly as well as you do. you're an inspiration for us all.
That's my purpose. To remind you!
I so enjoyed this post. So true!!! Your writings calm us as nature calms you.
Great advice, Brenda. I too must have nature in my day.
It's a must!
I love your observations. Being "in the moment" is something I value more and more as I grow older. It's really about meditation and gratitude, isn't it?
Wise words!