Savoring simple daily pleasures

Its not yet official, but 'm saying it anyway. Spring is ready in the wings and waiting to burst forth! 

Normally I celebrate and enjoy all the unique aspects of each season, but after our non- summer and exceptionally wet Autumn and winter, I AM READY!

All this week there have been little sights and sounds if you choose to look and tune in to mother nature- new buds, My iceberg rose on the front porch is boasting a few brand new delicate buds, baby lambs in the field by the dam, a different feel in the warmth of the sun- SUN! That's a novelty at the moment here! Strawberries in the supermarket- admittedly from Australia but still, a glorious treat after many months without them.

This weekend I have managed to hang laundry on the line, and successfully dry it, I mowed the lawns a few days ago- although admittedly still very boggy, and, Joy of Joys, this morning I enjoyed my smoothie bowl breakfast al fresco and took utter delight in tilting my face to the sun as I listened to the bust sounds of the garden around me. Such a treat and a huge boost to mood and spirits. 

I feel a complete contrast emotionally to this time last week when I was openly in a fug. 

Its also especially nice we have a spring wedding to look forward to in a couple of weeks - its been years since we've been to a wedding and its been rather exciting to think about, research and purchase new outfits for us both too! Nothing like a bit of shallow, consumerist retail therapy to give you an endorphin rush! But at least this one is justified and necessary!  And my husband looks so handsome and dashing in his new suit. swoon. 

Its been a good week of less rain, consciously consuming less refined sugar and processed foods and really concentrating on nourishing my body. I feel energized and positive again, and this glimmer of spring and warmer longer days on the horizon certainly helps!

I have a very full couple of weeks ahead of me so today I have tackled all the jobs that are required for the smooth running of the new week, and also made absolutely sure to pause and take moments of rest and reflection. Anything non urgent or that can wait or that if I leave wont niggle at me too much can wait, so that I may conserve my energy somewhat and enjoy some rest before it all kicks off. 

I made sure the laundry and ironing were all up to date, fresh baking and lunch box fillers all prepared, fridge and pantry well stocked and a clear meal plan on the chalk board,  bathrooms clean, floors vacuumed and the house picked up. Its not shiny perfect, or showroom standard, but its absolutely adequate and the balance is my mental calm and happiness. 

Sometimes- I have learned the hard way, what you DONT do can be as important as what you Do DO. 

This afternoon I'm looking forward to taking a walk in nature, serving dinner up early and taking a long hot bubble bath before climbing into bed for a luxuriously early night, knowing everything is as organized and prepared as it can be.

Bonne Semaine! 

It’s hard to admit - even to one’s self, when you feel yourself loosing momentum; letting things slip- just a little at first, and having those familiar battles with yourself in your head- berating yourself while trying to simultaneously give your self a pep talk, punishing yourself while craving the rewards. 

I think this is natural. And we all ebb and flo. 

This week I’ve found myself not only outwardly feeling a bit ugh but inwardly too.  But it’s taken me several days to fully recognise and acknowledge what was happening. In all honesty I think it’s a giant melting pot of all sorts of things- none serious, most circumstantial, and ALL rectifiable- yes ALL. 

Mindset -and a healthy one -is a huge untapped resource. While none of us have the power to change someone else’s thinking or possibly unforeseen circumstances- we all have the power to change our thought. Our mind set. Our attitude.  

Nothing “ bad “ had happened- a few moments of frustration- silly things that culminated in a snappy mummy and wify. I’m tired, and acutely aware of my health having only just bounced back from my sinus infection. But I allowed them to snowball- I let them take up space in my head and even labeled them (thank you hormones!)  No more. Tomorrow I will bounce. 

So that’s me. Brief post this week- late due to aforementioned slump. But I’m taking back the reins. I’m going to soak the last few whoopsies away in a hot bath, ponder my boundaries , my needs, and listen to my thoughts and make a plan of how the next few days and weeks will look, get an early night, and wake up to a brand new day. A positive attitude, and an appreciation for all the wondrous blessings I am so grateful to have wrapped around me. 

Spring is desperately trying to push its way through the ceaseless rain and despite my glum outlook, little rays of joy have  pieces my foggy headspace with their simplicity, their promise, and their warmth and magic.  It’s always there, sometimes you just have to look a little harder to remind yourself 💕 and sometimes we all need a little reminder to do so. 

X 

PS see below

So a little update, on a much more positive note:

After soaking in the bath and working on intentionally resetting my mindset for the following day, I stepped out side in my cosy robe with a cools glass of water and took a few deep breaths looking at the starts and feeling the presence of the universe. (starry nights have been few and far between of late due to relentless cloud cover and rain!)

I enjoyed a restorative sleep in lovely fresh clean bed linens (My favorite!) and amazingly I woke feeling like a different person- enthused, excited for the day, positive and focused. 

The sun is shining and streaming in to the house,  the spring blooms are bursting forth, I had a great workout and have already ticked several things off my list. The family left in good spirits and on time for their days of school and work and no I'm heading to the spa for a facial. 

Suddenly, with a little positive pep talk and some sunshine, life is a whole lot more enjoyable today and I am so very grateful.

 Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

Much of what I write about, and a good deal of my thoughts throughout the day are consciously observing and taking pleasure in what is already around us, what we have so much to be grateful for, and why being in the present moment is so vital for mental wellbeing, happiness and true contentment. I frequently feel moments of true exuberance and giddiness over the simplest of pleasures- regularly 8(probably daily!)while out walking- observing nature- a bloom or a bird, or the aesthetic of a well constructed evening meal, the scent of the first cracking of a freshly lit fire, climbing into just laundered  bed linens, or sinking into a hot bath. These are things I am truly grateful for and make a point to savor and enjoy them.

This week, since returning from our wonderful break in the mountains, I have had to slow down. At first I was frustrated, infuriated even, as I don't enjoy my routine or plans or productivity to be changed or adversely effected. I came down with a fairly nasty sinus infection, meaning I had to stay home from work, but also wasn't well enough to be my usual busy bee about home- usually even when I'm sick. 

And during these few days I have, in actuality,  been so fortunate. It has made me genuinely slow down and prioritize, as I simply haven't been capable of doing it "all". Friends, family and colleagues have reached out to check in and sent thoughtful messages, even a beautiful surprise delivery of some sunshine yellow fragrant freesias. And I'm not desperately ill. I'll get over it. Its a seasonal unfortunate bug but that's all. A dear friend is suffering with a much more unpleasant health concern where as I'm truly grateful that the medication prescribed by my Doctor is already taking effect. 

 I DO take time to notice things each and every day, but in this slowness, I've not only taken the time but lingered for may moments after too- not racing to get to the next thing on my list or achieve something within a (usually self imposed) time frame.  Just now I watched a bee for some time as it navigated the open window I'm sitting at and explored. I just watched. not glanced and acknowledged but really observed and took a moment. 

I woke late this morning- far, far later than usual and clearly from a very deep and much needed sleep as I hadn't even stirred at the sounds of the rest of the household getting up and ready for their day. I stayed in bed watching the tress for a while longer, then padded down stairs when they'd left to make coffee and have a large drink of water, then I found a patch of sunshine on the sofa, and subsequently the cat found me- and the warm sun, and we just sat. Sipping coffee, enjoying the warmth, slowly waking up to the new day, and I felt so calmed and content listening to bird song and her deep affectionate rumble of a purr. (For such a little petite little girl she has a monumental purr!)

Although I'm feeling much better, I'm consciously taking it very easy. I have the house to myself entirely (Well, the cats and I) until early evening, and with it being Friday no sense of urgency looming about tomorrow.  Its so easy to feel that if om not busy busy busy I'm being lazy or not making good use of my time. BUT these past few days have taught me a lot. 

I like to, and enjoy, my daily exercise- and think it good to push myself when I'm on form. I like to start my days early and feel accomplished and almost always better for a run or some kind of movement or workout first thing. But, for the first time in a long time, I have realized that in the bigger scheme of things, allowing my body to focus on fighting this bug and on healing, I don't need to feel guilty about gently starting my day, later and with a stretch and a shower not a demanding workout. I will get back into that routine in good time. But for now, for the next day or so, this is what's best. I am still managing to go for a walk each day- slower and less challenging that usual, but movement and fresh air and thinking time never the less. 

Taking an hour or so after lunch or mid afternoon to read in a cosy spot- ITS OK! In fact, its not just good its NECESSARY at this point. 

Coming in from a walk and taking a long drink of refreshing water and sitting down for a time- all new to me as I usually start straight in to the next task. This doesn't mean I don't enjoy and appreciate every bit of my walks usually, but taking the time to pause, consciously, between each activity or task is really rather new to me and incredibly beneficial and important. 

I've allowed my mind to ponder and dream about a few things and how I'd like a day to look for me in a few years time when I can be home, writing, on my own schedule. 

I've been able to give thought to the coming years, goals, dreams and plans- and picture them more clearly in my head as well and starting to form plans to take me in the direction I wish to travel. 

I have become consciously more grateful and thankful of the wonderous abundance that is life- and health. And a new spark of determination to treasure and nurture this one body- health is everything. Mind and body. And to do the same for my loved ones too so that we may all enjoy what we have been graciously given for many many healthy happy years to come. 

These little bumps are sent to make us re evaluate, pause and take stock. And I'm grateful I was just sick enough to see this, observe it, and prepare to take action with small changes, gentle rest and big ideas. 

Now while there seems to be a pause in the clouds, I'm going to take a walk before a nourishing lunch and a rest with my book. Hopefully with some furry company too. 

 Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

My Heart and soul feel abundantly full; the most glorious few days in the mountains, beside the icy clear lake and dramatic scenery amongst friends and family - days peppered with adventure, tranquility, exhilarating activities and peaceful rest, spectacular food, and local produce. 

I dearly wanted to stay, day dreamed about relocating, imagined how life would be, drank it all in- every last moment and savored savored savored. 

However, returning late last night to a warm cosy home, all the lamps lit, the cats curled up in front of the fire and everything neat and tidy, was a welcome treat too. On a beach walk locally this afternoon I had to remind myself that although the southern Alps are very very special, where we choose to live our life in this chapter, is pretty darn special too. 

Unfortunately I was sick for the time we were away with a heavy cold, but knowing our time was limited I refused to be dulled by it entirely. My lake side morning and afternoon walks were magically restorative, energizing and the perfect tonic to boost me for the coming day of adventuring or evening of fine dining and socializing. The air is so different, so dry and arid with its iciness. and the light, oooh the light. Words cannot convey the special quality it possesses. 

The joy of watching my girls hurl snow balls and shrieking with laughter and the shock of the icy blow was wonderful. Pottering around little local boutiques with locally produced merino goods and delectable foodie treats, then pausing for a coffee and a nibble. The conviviality of being there in such a big group was such fun and made evenings a real event. 

One particular evening was extra special at an incredible restaurant specializing in locally sourced fare. I enjoyed a very wild pallet that night- with venison, local mushrooms, hare and lamb all from within a few kilometers of where we sat by a roaring open fire, on plush seating, with attentive wait staff, surrounded by deep burgundy walls and cosy from the chill outside. 

But with all that said, the feeling I got as I walked through the pines and redwoods along the lake in the less busy pathways, passing the odd walker and a dog, was what truly fed and filled my soul. I felt my lungs expand in a way that they haven't for many months and my mind quieten. Incredibly precious. 

And while this morning I would dearly loved to have been donning my fleecy leggings, thermals and cashmere hat to have a walk along the water as the pink dawn broke, rather than packing lunches and starting the mountain of laundry that comes hand in hand with a family trip away, I was fortunate enough to have today as breathing space, and to take a walk this afternoon in sunshine on a very quite local beach nd though the bush tracks. very privileged indeed. 

We can find beauty and tranquility where we choose to see it. 

As I'm still feeling under the weather I am also very grateful to have this buffer day before returning to work to recoup, and get re set and organized. I highly recommend taking- if you can- a day either side of a trip to organize and pack and leave your home as you'd wish to find it on your return, and then afterwards to savor your experiences and re group and do the practical things that a are necessary for a stress free reentry into your "every day". 

For this evening, I am really rather excited at the prospect of a large cup of peppermint tea and climbing into bed early to start a new book as I finished my last on the flight home last night. 

Some 'spring-ness' I picked up at the florist today which  divided up around the house to add a little beauty and cheer and some eucalyptus leaves in various vessels also dotted about our home bringing with them their fresh fragrance and uplifting qualities. 

Home is where the heart is.