From carbon to Diamonds: Learning to find the gems in our everyday

 Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

My mindset for a gentle week was somewhat challenged this week and engagements and activities stacked up. But I feel considering, I have balanced it all reasonably well with quiet moments too. As I type this morning I am sat in the early sun, with coffee and my laptop and the gentle birdsong and rustle of leaves. Its soothing and exactly what is required after a couple of incredibly full days. 

I am thankful I was able to consciously pause to truly appreciate little pockets of peace. After a very long- but wonderfully rewarding day- on Friday, I walked home in the warm evening rays around 7pm, with a sense of accomplishment, and eager anticipation for the festive weekend ahead, while happily weighed down with an enormous armful of sunflowers to enjoy at home. Quite literally a bunch of summer in my arms. 

Something as simple as planting a seed a few short months ago, and nature delivers a power packed punch of sheer joy. This analogy can really be applied to so much in our daily lives, from as menial a task as emptying the dishwasher at night so that you come down to a tidy kitchen ready for the new day, or much longer goals, like investing in our health and wellness, saving for that deposit, purchasing that plane ticket for a trip in the future, or investing in our relationships. Good things come to those who wait is not just a flippant saying. But don't just wait either. Remember to look today too.

These seasonal blooms are so glorious -to be enjoyed for their short window before the next magnificent season. It makes us pause and appreciate these things and note the quiet passing of each season and in turn each year. All too easy to keep looking ahead and not appreciate the present. 

Challenging life seasons and chapters are no exception, especially when its hard work and a bit sticky, to wish it forward, but actually all these moments, spectacularly challenging AND spectacularly beautiful, are what make up our everydays- make up our lives. Therefor it is wasteful to wish them away. Even when they are uncomfortable, as within these rocky moments are also gems . An unpleasant teenage battle; but feeling the support and love of a lifelong friend whose been there too and the warmth of your husband who's right there with you. The tragedy of a member of the community suffering but the wrap around of love they receive as a result. 

There is good and positive everywhere. we just have to choose to look for it. And if today that means finding a quiet few seconds to smell a rose, a few minutes to arrange some flowers and stand back to appreciate their beauty in a vase, folding a clean load of fluffy towels straight off the line, lighting a favorite candle, indulging in a truffle, sharing a knowing look or laugh with a loved one or 1/2 an hour to ourselves with a book you're engrossed in, a long hug from your baby, affection from a pet, or the feel of the sun on your face in the morning. These are all treasures- jewels, to be savored and appreciated. To fill you up. The more you tune into noticing these little sparkles, the more you'll see them everywhere, and the happier, more contented,  more glowy you feel. 

Its especially important during the festive season when emotions notoriously run high, finances are often strained and diaries are fuller than usual. Whether you are religious or not, Christmas above all, is a time to be grateful, and spread peace. Be an ambassador to these qualities and values. The more you are the more it spreads around you. 

I cant help feeling this is my waffliest post to date. I'm a huge mix of emotions and I think Christmas often has that effect. Here especially in the southern hemisphere- where the end of the school year plus the festive season and all its magic, plus summer is all rolled into one. Its one big huge Christmas Stocking of experiences and emotions. You have no idea what the next gift will be - you cant even see the shape of it until you reach down into it and bring it out, and very often, the small ones are the best....or the one at the very end. Enjoy each gift as you unwrap it.  Again, the quote I shared this week which really resonated-

You always know when its your first time for something, but you rarely know when its your last.