I spent two days in the hospital unexpectedly last week. There is nothing like two days of poking, prodding, not sleeping, not eating, and other unmentionable things to make one appreciate the finer things in life.I took a walk at lunch time today. (What?! I can hear you exclaim! You never take lunch breaks!) There are beautiful trails in and amongst the woods where my office is that I never even knew existed before today!
As I prepared dinner tonight I consciously made myself slow down and appreciate each moment. (It's true, making dinner can actually be a restful and fulfilling activity.) As I peeled the squash and scooped out the seeds, I smelled childhood. It wasn't my own childhood, but the childhood I experienced through the lives of my children. I was reminded of countless pumpkins we had cleaned and carved over the years. Special, simple, memories.
Perhaps best of all, I talked to Makiya on the phone. I babbled away to her and she babbled right back. We talked about important stuff....grandma stuff.
I am being constantly reminded lately that it is these things that matter most, and if I don't slow down and take the time to see them, they will be gone in an instant.
What simple things are you appreciating today?
10 comments:
Oh! Wow! I needed to hear those words tonight--tonight of all times!!
You've changed my day. Thanks. I run full speed ahead. Slowing down for some has to be a thoughtful decision. I will slow down today - for a couple hours. :)
Beautiful words and beautiful photo of that swift gift of a little girl. Glad you are free from the medical procedures - they are rough.
Linda, I'm sorry about your hospital visit. I hope you're okay!
Beautiful post. I don't slow down enough, that's for sure.
Makiya's picture is just gorgeous.
Please take care of yourself. Sometimes it is forgetting to slow down that puts us in the hospital in the first place!
Are you ok? What ended up being wrong? Stay relaxed and enjoy life! I have had so many physical things happen to me this past two years because of stress. hate it!
After years of too much time in hospital rooms with both of my parents, I often remind myself that any day *not* spent in the hospital is a good day. Glad you are out and about again!
My Facebook update this morning had to do with appreciation for the beauty of simple things:
Nita Lou Bryant opened the curtain this morning onto a scene of magical, zig-zag choreography in the wet garden outside her bedroom window: two iridescent green hummingbirds feeding on orange firebush flowers.
so glad you took the time to enjoy yourself...it makes you feel so much better...
I hope you're okay my friend! I too am considering the little things in life as I struggle through this illness. You're on my heart!
Friends - thank you for your kind comments and concern. I'm fine, just slowing down a little bit, which I think is necessary. It's a new phase....time to smell the flowers more often!
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