Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

The very "mission statement" for this blog has come into sharper focus for me this week. The deeper meaning becoming more clear to me. To look at my immediate surroundings. To absorb what is already at my fingertips and so beautiful and awe inspiring, simple and gentle, delicate and ordinary. 

"Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results" Willie Nelson

The world is hurting right now, from conflicts, bloodshed and environmental issues. People hurting one another.  And this post is in no means intended to belittle the pain and suffering and violence. Rather to hone our focus to what we can be grateful for, what we can appreciate, and what is still good in the world. And there is SO much good if we choose to look.

 I am trying to not be too absorbed in the current news and events as I find it too distressing. That's not to say I'm unaware or burying my head in the sand, or turning my back on it.  But I'm employing a coping strategy that works for me. I'm choosing to protect myself and my inner peace. 

 Ways I do this throughout my day are through quiet moments and reflection, noticing birdsong, taking time to smell the flowers- physically and metaphorically. Look for the good. Its still there. In abundance. 

"Each day comes bearing gifts. Untie the ribbon. "Ann Ruth Schabacker

The quote above is so simple, and conjures up the magic of a gift and the anticipation of what it may contain. Just as each new days unfolds, we need to keep the magic, the optimism, the promise. Look for the good. Be grateful, and keep noticing how much you have to be grateful for. 

Its all too easy to get sucked into the vortex of doom and negativity, though social media, the news, idle gossip. Choose to be the light. The optimism, The positive force in your life and it will soon shine onto other peoples too. the ripples will travel.

"Optimism is a happiness magnet. If you stay positive good things and good people will be drawn to you." Mary-Lou Retton

None of us are perfect, we all get snippy, tired and a little impatient. But so long as we can reflect on that, try to improve ourselves, acknowledge our triggers and endeavor to react and respond better next time, we are slowing making a difference. To ourselves. Those immediately around us, and wider.

The ripple effect is a very powerful thing. 

If you know there is that someone who is always a negative drain, always in competition with you, passive aggressive, Narcisistic. Sometimes its not always appropriate to cut them out of your life for reasons you are unable to control. But you can control your mind and how you think about it, how their behavior effects YOU. Choose to be positive, happy and vibrant. And slowly, edge them to the side lines. even if you can only do so in your mind for the time being. don't allow them to encroach on your positivity. Your BLISS. 

"Doing the best at this moment, puts you in the best place for the next moment. We have to make the choice, every single day- to exemplify the truth, the respect and the grace we wish for in this world " Oprah Winfrey

So step back from the enormity of the bigger picture, just for a moment or two, look around at your immediate environment, find the beauty, the promise and the magic in your everyday. Take a windy walk, sit quietly outside and just, listen. Watch the clouds, observe the moon. Those ripples will travel...and keep travelling. 

A last , and favorite quote from my childhood- or rather a character. 

Do-as-you-would-be -done-by, or Mrs.Bedonebyasyoudid from Charles Kingsley's The Water Babies C1863

Wouldn't we all wish to be treated as we treat others?

 Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

I dont particularly like the term staycation. however, there doesn't seem to be anything equivalent to sum up how this long weekend has unfolded. 

We often feel a sense of urgency or pressure to head out of town on a long weekend- particularly this one in NZ being Labor weekend, traditionally to start of "spring proper" where tomato seedlings are planted and tentative beach goers take their first dip. 

With a few busy weeks behind us and a weekend away not in the budget we made no plans to head away and only one social engagement in the diary. 

The end of the working week was full and busy with lots of juggling, but after a long early evening walk, our family found ourselves all at home for a gentle evening. Some friends popped in just as the burgers were sizzling on the BBQ, invited for an impromptu dinner which they declined but a nice little catchup. Then Saturday morning we entertained some long standing, great family friends for an extended leisurely brunch. Nine of us in total and the coffee and orange juice flowed, and we nibbled on Croissants, Bagels, smoked salmon, a beautiful seasonal fruit platter, egg and bacon bites and granola yoghurt parfaits. The weather was prefect, sunny but not too hot, the atmosphere relaxed and easy and brunch lasted till well into the afternoon with kids bombing up and down the drive on scooters, basketball, and lots of good conversation and laughs.  There was no pressure, no time limit, and as we've known these lovely people for many years watching our children grow up together everything just fell into place and felt so natural and relaxing. I'm certain it helped we all felt the extra day to the weekend allowed us to savor and not rush.

That evening, after a simple dinner on the BBQ as I was snuggled in my robe with my peppermint tea, our neighbours messaged to invite us to lunch the following day. "very casual" so we accepted gladly, as we had no other plans and the luxury of time.

Then morning was spent pottering at home, planting seedlings, mowing lawns, playing outdoor games. Rather than go out on a day we planned to be home, I made fresh lemonade to take as a contribution and baked some beautiful flat bread when, when it was time to wander down the drive had been out of the oven minutes. 

The smell of the woodchips used on their proper grill, and the ease of their hospitality reminded me of European lunches, no rush, no time frame, just good food and good company and weather kind enough to allow us to dine alfresco. Originally from Argentina, the chimichurri was not only totally authentic but out of this world delicious. Simple fare, but great quality and flavorsome. Lamb and pork ribs, sausages, crusty bread along withy our focaccia, and a huge salad. That was it. NO desert, no nibbles, no ketchup! And it was perfect. I'm so renowned for over catering and it really brought the message home then entertaining can -and should-be just about getting knees under the table, sharing a meal, and enjoying the company of guests. The kids did their own thing, and lunch stretched until well after 4pm.

There was no looming sense of Monday- itis. And after my afternoon walk a simple light supper was all we required. 

Today stretches before us, with more fine weather forecast, my linen sheets on the line by 7am and a gentle yoga session in the early morning sun.

The only thing vaguely planned today is to meet up with some friends with various jet skis and boats for some fun at the beach...and maybe a dip if I'm brave.

With no expectations, no rigorous planning, and a very consciously small and "do-able" to do list, these few days have felt like a complete re set and a tonic. I wouldn't have changed a thing or wished to be anywhere else. time to sit on my deck in the sun with an oatmilk coffee as I type this feels so decadent. and I'm even going to finish ready my book sat right here once i post this. 

The weekend has involved very little outside of our little haven, no driving anywhere, no rushing about, no fitting things in. No PRESSURE. 

Surely, that is the ultimate luxury, savoring your surrounding, enjoying your daily rituals and pleasures, and allowing the day to unfold. 

 Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

Emotions and feelings have been a little unpredictable this week- much like the weather! 

But through the little dips and bumps- be it struggling to get quality sleep or it raining on my laundry- again, its actually been a productive, and very positive week- one which I feel taught me a great deal. Friday night capped off the week with a beautiful evening and candle lit dinner in the city with my beloved.

Last Sunday, I met with my ladies Golf group- which is always great fun- we don't take things too seriously. One of our golfing friends had her daughter with her for the session and over coffee afterwards we were talking about work/ career/jobs. 

This young, recently graduated vibrant lady was discussing potential jobs, and offers and things she'd missed out on. She spoke a phrase that really made me take note- having been offered a position in a company- but not in the area of the organization she was interviews for, she turned down the offer- by saying "Thank you, but no; It's not an area I'm looking to upskill in right now". Wow. Bien dans sa Peaux! 

The confidence to politely turn down and offer and stick to your path and ambition is something I'm sure I'd struggle with even now in my 40's! There was no bad feeling, no regret, and no sense of obligation to take the position that she knew wasn't right for her. 

Within a day or so of this conversation, I was pottering in the kitchen at home listening to a Podcast of an interview with Jane Fonda I'd stumbled upon. From the other end of the age spectrum, as she's now well into her 80's - and she was describing how in her younger years and her career was just starting out- she was too grateful to say no if someone wanted to hire her - presumably for a role- even if it didn't fit and wasn't on the trajectory she was aiming. She felt obliged to accept. With experience and maturity she has learned what she wants, to feel comfortable in her beliefs and to have the power to say NO.  Including, despite several past husbands,  choosing to be happily single now so she can be her authentic true self. Brought up in an age where women in particular were expected to fir the norms, conform - and be grateful for a job/ Husband/ career. 

Very telling how these tow women have handled things so very differently with the years between them. 

Then as if the universe was trying to really get its point across to me, we had another golf session on course later in the week, this time we were guided and coached by a true veteran. A lady with 50 years of experience in the sport behind her, with a zest and gumption for life that is enviable. She was so uplifting and encouraging. When I left home to attend the session I was dog tired. Lack of sleep and a busy and full few days left me wanting a hot shower and an early night. But within minutes of being introduced to this force of nature, I felt vitalized, energized and inspired. She was one of those rare and precious souls who was positive about everything and with such a can do attitude- about the sport but also about life. It was totally refreshing and just what I needed to spur me on. 

The combination of these three remarkable women, Waking up to a new government -post election- this morning, (The All Blacks winning against Ireland in Paris, )and the discovery of some fascinating and heartbreaking family history during the week regarding my late grandfathers immediate family, I was being sent a clear message;

Look at the big picture. Step back if you need to to gain some distance and a fresh outlook, if you feel you need to re look at an area or gain a new perspective. You can choose to over come almost any obstacle in your path. Life is for living so embrace it fully- each and every day. 

 Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

Ugh, those jobs you just put off and put off and they niggle away and nag and every time you open that cupboard/ drawer/ door/ (Insert your bugbear here) you can't close it quick enough to try to push it to the back of your mind again. 

A wet Saturday morning, not a huge amount on the agenda after a very full week with lots of driving and various appointments, and thankfully my family all back under one roof again after a long over seas business trip. 

The cupboard under the stairs- as the girls charmingly named it- " The Harry Potter cupboard"  had reached the point where I could no longer ignore it. After the suitcase from my weary traveler was haphazardly discarded in there once the laundry was thrown in the direction of where the washing fairies work their magic (!) the time had come. 

It wasn't so very long ago I spent quite some time tidying and sorting under there so in actual fact, what I'd put off for many many weeks, didn't actually take that long to re organize and straighten out; it now functions as it should, I know exactly what we have in there and there is a sizable pile ready to donate too. 

The sense of accomplishment was disproportionate to the task, however it made me feel so good, so motivate and HAPPY. So simple. But it really impacted my day. 

I did something similar with our medical supplies cupboard a week or so ago- which was in a far worse state- but several days on I still get huge pleasure from opening the cupboard to get the daily vitamins, or items for the cats (we store their food at the bottom) The feeling of accomplishment and achievement is palpable. It is so worth the investment of time - when you're not under pressure, to reap the rewards and benefits afterwards. 

Its often the things we put off, but that actually can have a fairly profound effect on the quality and enjoyment of our daily lives, that sometimes can be far less painful and time consuming once we embark on them, and the relief and satisfaction they provide once ticked off is immeasurable. 

We can apply this to a messy cupboard, a doctors visit, the dentist or even a difficult conversation we need to have. Often the thought is far more challenging and more of a barrier that the deed itself. We need to be brave, or courageous, or just DO IT. Some things are just unavoidable, even if they may appear unpleasant, but usually, the longer we leave it, the worse it gets. 

Just that 30 minutes or so of getting stuck in set me up in a positive mindset for the day. I have rewarded myself with making a batch of fresh truffles to enjoy in the evenings with my favorite peppermint tea and a "new" show I am enjoying. 

Each day the signs of spring are making their presence more and more felt. The blooms are magnificent, the wildlife seems to be relishing the warmer temperature- and some glorious sunshine for a few days, and although the rain steadily falls as I type- again- It's fresh and mild - to the point where I almost, ALMOST changed over my wardrobe to spring summer- but thought better of it. A little premature perhaps- maybe another week or two.