Savoring simple daily pleasures

(Day 27 of my no-buy year)

Its been a week of getting back into routines, schedules and reminding myself and savoring rituals that were put aside for the summer break. While we are not back in full pace as yet, (thank fully it all starts back up in increments) It has been enough to spend a few days in the office, sometimes requiring us to set alarm clocks and being a little more prepared and organized for meals compared to the relaxed dining and food choices of full summer. The week, happily, has been heavily interspersed with down time- in the shape of long walks, beach excursions, dinners al fresco, little luxuries like pedicures- to refresh the beach feet- and tending to a few jobs around the home and garden. 

There are no signs of Autumn whatsoever as yet- much as I love the season, I'm not quite ready to relinquish summer yet. However, although we are experiencing long balmy evenings, our circadian clocks are running a little later now as the brightness of 5.15am dawns are lazily drifting towards closer to 6.30am, and naturally this week I am waking later than I will need to next- not by many minutes but enough to be conscious that the alarm may feel rather brutal next week. I think many of us feel we need to hang on to every summery drop here due to the dreadful weather and extreme flooding we experienced this time last year bringing the nation and its summer plans to a halt. 

While the trees are yet to turn, and the nip is yet to be felt, one job on my to do list is to order firewood in readiness for that first cool evening- hopefully not until May sometime. This evening however, we hope to light our fire pit in the garden and enjoy the smoky glow and sticky sweetness of toasting marshmallows and watching the impressive almost full moon appear. (Waning Gibbous) 

The full moon

One morning this week I was taking an online yoga session here at home (I thoroughly enjoy long walks with friends and my weekly ballet class, but when it comes to any of my other forms of exercise, I find I very much prefer to be on my own- yoga, resistance training, running) and the teacher/ Guru said something which I have reflected on during my days and ponderings since, it has a afforded me a lighter, fresher look at the balance of my energy, thoughts, and daily wellbeing. Which what he said I already knew dep down, how it was phrased just sung. 

" ...in Yoga practice it is important to know when to be strong and soft, as in our lives it is important to allow ourselves presence and ambition"

I was struck by how relevant this is and how by applying it to our daily lives, routines, professions, families; it can help shape how we approach situations and guide us. It provides a pathway to balance. Peace. 

Everyday contentment is centered around the gentle values and ethos of savoring. Of being present, of noticing the little things and taking pleasure in the everyday- finding joy in the seemingly mundane and teaching ourselves to enjoy and relish life's simple pleasures. 

This Strong and Soft, presence and ambition is relevant to my parenting, my work, my writing, my marriage, my career, my health and fitness. It's a loaded phrase which, when you consider fully, is so full of wisdom and grounding it quite literally asks me to pause, reflect, take a breath and see things from a slightly shifted, clearer, calmer perspective. 

Our community suffered a tragedy this week- and while I endeavor to keep this blog a positive space, it's also a reminder for us not to take anything for granted. A young girl's life was devastatingly and unexpectedly lost, and her family reeling in grief. While its wonderful and exciting and exhilarating to plan ahead, it's a very clear message to savor today. Savor and be grateful for all the little things, all the moments, the hugs, the laughs, the furry cuddles, the story times, the birdsong, the delicious meals, the morning sun, the sip of coffee, the bite of a fresh croissant, the scent of a rose, the embrace of a loved one, the sound of the waves........ 

Wishing you a peaceful, productive and inspired weekend and week ahead. 

 Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

The image above was taken early yesterday morning on my last run at the beach before packing up and heading home, with the new term and school year almost upon us, and my husband and I returning to work. I tried to drink in every moment, savor the light, the scent of the pines, and the feeling of freedom and tranquility and summery loveliness. I picked up a shell - actually 2, one for my car, one for my handbag, to keep with me to remind me to breath, slow down, and savor when the hustle and bustle of life kicks back in.  

Something that struck both of us yesterday when we walked back in our front door was how much we have in our home, how spacious it is and our myriad of possessions. My husband was the one to comment interestingly- but living in a simple, small beach house (known as a bach in New Zealand) with only a small amount of clothing and belongings, really brings attention to what's left at home that we can potentially do without. I'm not suggesting we throw it all away and get rid of all these possessions (not the treasured or useful ones anyway!) but its a worthwhile exercise or lesson to actually acknowledge what we don't need. Of course at home our circumstances are very different- at the beach I alternate between swimwear and beach dresses and not much else- one pair of jandals (Flipflops) and my running gear pretty much. Clearly most of us require more for our regular working week, and home comforts and seasonal necessities but it does make you reflect on the extras (read clutter/excess) we become so accustomed to for the rest of the year.

 I'm sure I mentioned in a past post- my girls loved the children's book, A squash and a squeeze by Julia Donaldson - the premise is that the old lady lives alone but complains her house is too small- there in we are introduced one by one to a host of farm animals who move in, which when she finally gets them all to leave makes her house feel huge and spacious again. sometimes we just need to shift our perspective to see things in a different light and not only be truly grateful for what we have but highlight perhaps what we don't need or require in our lives. 

So once home, having fully unpacked and done 5 loads of laundry yesterday afternoon followed by  racing around to the supermarket etc as the cupboards and fridge were rather bare, I sat down early this morning to look at our up coming schedules, commitments, appointments and term times for the coming academic year. While I don't want this holiday vibe to come to an end, the quiet (and still cool) hour I spent on the deck with coffee, my phone, calendar and a notebook has helped my reset and refocus and feel ready (or as ready as I can be while still padding round barefoot and enjoying my own summery schedule) 

My diary is looking rather fuller, and I have a few lists on the go- along with meal plan for the week- but I have consciously left gaps, and devised ways to squeeze the best from the busiest days- taking a walk during my daughters ballet class for instance, so that when we get home we have the evening together as a family and to eat dinner - which is lovely in these summer months with plenty of daylight but will also be a treat in the winter not to have to be out later in the dark and cold as we were with last years dance schedule.

Its hard to get our heads around seasonal changes- well, maybe not in some corners of the world but where I grew up in England and here in NZ where there are definite seasonal changes. As I hung the laundry (yes, still more) this morning the temperature was SO hot the garments were literally drying in the basket and in my hands as I pegged them out- the pegs were almost too hot to touch- there are extreme weather warnings being issued to keep hydrated and out of the suns intense heat- but by contrast as I was mowing the lawn today I was mentally making a note we need to order fire wood to keep us toasty in the winter. Its a very good thing to stay present, and savor the moment, but it is also a nice feeling to be organized and plan and look forward- without missing and not noticing todays treasures. I actually love all the different seasons and their particular characteristics and clothing requirements, and I'm not wishing summer away- but today, on the eve of my working life kicking back off again, I am quite looking forward to embarking on and embracing our new routines and schedules, and making this year even better than the last. I truly have never felt as fit, healthy and vibrant in my life as I do right now- even after celebrating another birthday last week. I am excited for autumn, and its majestic colors and its first whisps of woodsmoke- but I am savoring the beachy days until then- laundry drying in moments, dinner cooked on the BBQ almost every night, wearing light, cool, airy clothing, and enjoying a paddleboard or a swim in the late afternoon as the day cools off. 

One goal I have this year is to start meditating- probably with an App initially to keep me on track or my mind will inevitably wander! But ironically, even over 7 weeks of blissful summer- I still haven't found the time! But I do sincerely want to accomplish this as I feel its incredibly important to our overall wellbeing.

I am excited for this year to kick off in earnest and see where it takes me- us. I have a finished book (and several on the way) I'm ready to start with the self publishing process (And feel grateful empowered to do so from wonderful mentors such as Fiona Ferris - a fellow kiwi, Jennifer L Scott - writer and youtuber/blogger whom I have followed and read her books over at least a decade,  Jennifer Melville from The Elevated Everday - who's books I have read and re read over several years, and Shannon Ables from The Simply Luxurious Life - these wonderful ladies, mostly without knowing it, have given me a sparkle and drive to see this self publishing dream through to a reality and I cannot wait! 

But for now, I'm about to don my golf shoes and grab my clubs and head out on this VERY hot afternoon to my ladies golf session- more likeminded, supportive and influential women. 

How fortunate I am. 

 savoring simple daily pleasures 

Ten days ago when I promised myself I wouldn't purchase any clothing or footwear for the entirety of 2024, I hadn't really comprehended the enormity of the bombardment we receive every day. Its only been 10 day since my promise and during that time, already, I have become so acutely aware of daily temptations, advertising, social media, retail tricks to urge, persuade and cajole us into parting with our money.

I am staggered by how much it has been brought to my attention and how that little burning need, and fear of missing out, is played upon at every turn by marketing and retail. Two days into my promise I had to take my girls to a mall to purchase a few things they required (not even clothing but some skincare and a paperback book!) I was aware as I parked my car of a quiet determination to not be swayed- much as with any restrictive diet- but truly, within moments, as I purposefully walked swiftly past one of my go-to high street brands, they had a SALE rack just at the door. A $25 sale rack of all things- oh yes, quality, timeless pieces for a fraction of their usual retail price. It all but stopped me in my tracks before I quickly checked myself, and continued to the shop I was planning to go to. But that little rush, that little buzz and adrenaline, of dopamine, still surfaced- just at the thought of being able to sang a bargain, a shiny new something triggered by that magical red sign- SALE. 

I am pleased to report I didn't so much as break my stride and if anything that little experience made me even more determined to see this through. It made me hyper aware of how much we get sucked in, talk ourselves into things, persuade our selves, make excuses and justify these purchases that we truly, almost certainly don't need. Very occasionally- a few times a year perhaps, I will go out with a list and a budget knowing exactly what I am looking to purchase, to fill a necessary gap in my wardrobe- but lets be honest- 99% of the time when we purchase clothing or footwear its on impulse- it catches our eye, a friend has one we admired, an irresistible sale price, an unmissable deal; we buy onto how we want those garments to make us feel or behave or be seen. I know I'm guilty of snatching up an off season deal on items which remain in my closet with their tags on until their season rolled round by which time that pair of pants you bought it to go with no longer fit, you've changed your style a little, or you just plainly see why it was heavily discounted in the first place- to shift stock. in exchange for your hard earned cash. Now I'd like to think I'm a fairly discerning shopper. I prefer quality over quantity, I have successfully enjoyed and maintained a 10 item wardrobe and a capsule wardrobe over the years, then it got a bit out of hand and kept being added to and growing- in part as my style (and shape) changed somewhat, until I reached this point. Too much. 

We are currently at the beach on a family summer break in a small coastal township- with some eye wateringly affluent houses. with the grand homes comes a few boutique shops happy to accommodate their needs, whims and wallets. Our youngest wanted to browse the surf shop and while I happily accompanies her and offered advise on the style and fit of the swimwear she was trying on, again I realized how the clever merchandising draws you in, try's to persuade you and influence you, offer you something more, something better. Amazingly I felt almost smug knowing that I had absolutely no intention of making a purchase for myself - other than sunscreen....which we genuinely needed and is not clothing!

It has felt like a long time already- and if I'm honest I'm a little apprehensive of the FULL YEAR and all the temptations and opportunities which will be scattered regularly across my path. But I genuinely want to do this. To re teach myself to make do, but more importantly to really love and appreciate all the lovely clothing I ALREADY own. Gratefully and happily.  

On a recent walk I was pondering all this and my new found discipline (lets not get carried away and say frugality!) and I chose to focus on the micro not the macro : I'm often mesmerized by the magnificent panoramas and vistas we are fortunate enough to live by and here at our favorite beach settlement, but it was poignant to reflect that all these littler details make up the bigger pictures- that these giant impressive vistas are made up of these minute details. This quite reflection on nature helped me re focus on the bigger picture, the end game and the reason I wasn't to do things in the first place. 

I know its "just clothes" but it signifies a deeper more important underlying conditioning we seem to have all been washed with in the first world. Rather than celebrating what we have and treasuring our possessions we are always searching for more bigger brighter better newer. its gluttony for the most part, and wasteful and worst of all- just accepted. So, bringing this back to the wonders of mother nature  helps me step back, breath and see the bigger picture for what it is. 

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

we are in the throes of mid-summer here- although the view outside my window at this moment is trying to tell a different story! But with the new year in the southern hemisphere, despite the warmer weather, I still feel an urge to declutter, organize and simplify. Maybe after the festivities of Christmas and the new gifts we have perhaps welcomed and found new homes for, the desire to start a fresh as a new year rolls round and the pause before the academic year starts up again always inspires me to be as tidy, streamlined and organized as I can be. 

I have tackled smallish little "hot spots" of clutter in the past weeks - particularly on rainy days. I love opening the fridge to see a fresh variety of produce that's inviting and accessible. I try to purge the fridge every 2 weeks or so to make sure there aren't too many occasions to find a limp, yellowing head of broccoli, a slimy cucumber or cant-quite-remember leftovers. 

Often the new year brings promise of fresh starts, healthy eating plans, new routines and schedules. Where better place to start than the fridge as its generally a do-able and immediately rewarding task. I take everything out shelf by shelf, wipe the insides and handles and then only replace what's fresh and in date and I group similar items: A box for cheeses, cold meats, dairy on one shelf, salads in one drawer, vegetables in another and a fully filled, sparking water bottle arsenal at the top- we go through liters and liters as its practically all we drink as a family....and coffee of course! 

I don't tend to have to throw much away as I do this regularly and combined with meal planning I usually use mostly what I have- on occasion though, I'll take all the less than crispy vegetables and make a soup or stock. Its lovely to merchandise the items and make them look attractive and inviting- a vintage bowl holds my lemons, and a glass shallow dish for the cut lemon and ginger. Fresh and Zingy and not only easier to reach for than a less healthful snack but inspiring and a joy to prepare a nourishing meal from. 

Today the towel cupboard is next on my list. Its beach season, so fresh towels are reached for and pulled down haphazardly to the extent that last night I was unable to put the freshly laundered ones back as they were so badly jammed back in! It wont take more than 10 minutes but I know I feel so accomplished- not to mention relieved- once its done, and will enjoy reaching for a towel on our next sandy outing. 

Yesterday, on the spur of the moment, both my husband and I decided to tackle our walk in closet. ( A miracle in itself as we rarely, if ever, de clutter these kinds of areas together usually) 

With the help of an enthusiastic teen fashionista and the quiet encouragement from a comfortably dozing cat, we tried on, piled up, bagged, sorted, organized and re arranged for 3 hours! Our walk in now resembles more of a boutique than an over stuffed discount store; several bags are ready to be dropped off to donate, my daughter scored a few gems of hand me downs, and a friend called in to shop my closet and was thrilled with her "new" items. It was such a satisfying feeling I almost want to do it again to get rid of another layer.... 

I have however made a promise to myself: Having really truly witnessed the extent of my wardrobe- including pieces I'd even forgotten were in there (!)  and the terrifying number of shoes my daughter delighted in counting, I vow to not purchase ANY MORE CLOTHING OR FOOTWARE IN 2024! 

Gulp. 

2 exceptions I will allow myself-  

I am able to replace my running shoes if they ware out. 

And if I need to purchase a dress for the formal wedding we have be invited to attend, I will find a pre loved solution. 

I am actually really looking forward to the challenge, to applying the discipline and to the lessons I will no doubt learn. I feel a little buzz at the thought of making it successfully, of the other areas I can extend this to (Lipstick, candles...) and a glow of the financial savings that will result. 

My life is abundant already. I have more than enough, and the things I enjoy most are not the items I clothe myself in, but the places I go and the people I'm with. A rainy walk (plenty of those to come I have no doubt!) A walk at Twighlight on the beach, coffee early in the morning while my cats enjoy their breakfast, a good book, a cuddle on the couch, the scent of a home grown rose, a belly laugh. These are the things we treasure. Not another pair of camel ballet flats. 

Simple. Everyday. Living. 

Contentment.