Lifes a peach

 Savoring simple everyday pleasures

I find its a constant work in progress to take an objective step back and re assess and evaluate our daily lives. And the paradox is that its the simplicity I crave; the simpler and more 'ordinary" my days are, the more contented and relaxed and happy I feel. The most menial of tasks can give such pleasure and reward, and the simplest of gestures fill my heart to the brim. Early this morning, wandering outside between the downpours to snip a fresh (and possibly the last this season) of my Dahlias to pop in a budvase as it was so heavy with rain it was drooping with the weight. Such a simple act, that took a few short moments, but was a most gratifying and delightful little interlude to my morning, and the bloom is bringing brightness and joy to the coffee table in the family room. 

Take for example these past few days- my daughter has had intensive ballet seminars each morning, requiring us to leave the house just after 8, which isn't early by normal standards but this is the school holidays so the pace is different. Its meant if I was to enjoy waking naturally, without setting an alarm, not having enough time to walk or exercise before needing to jump in the car- so instead, I've embraced the slower starts, made a pot of tea in my robe, put some laundry on, prepared her breakfast and a snack, and felt unhurried. While its not ideal for me to arrive home at 9am to then workout, then shower, then have breakfast- thus essentially loosing my morning, it has also provided a necessary slower start to these cooler, darker (wetter) Autumnal mornings- an enforced pace change to allow a more restful beginning. The simple ritual of boiling the tea kettle, selecting the tea or coffee for that particular day, and sitting down to savor my hot drink with the cats and the quiet of the early morning has been a treat, as opposed to slugs of coffee standing in the kitchen whilst juggling all the myriad of morning tasks on a normal weekday. 

I have developed a rather sore case of tennis elbow in the last couple of weeks, which while very frustrating- not to mention painful- is actually requiring me to only do so much- having to spread my tasks out or prioritize them as I literally cant do it all. For example, I spent a not unpleasant hour ironing whilst listening to a podcast, but after the final garment was hung up I know I'd reached my limit- I wasn't capable of doing any more manual tasks that day- or certainly for a few hours, so I stopped. I made a cool drink of iced sparkling water with fresh lemon and sat down to read. Ordinarily, I would have found the next to do, and ploughed on ahead. This has made me pace myself in a way that is new to me, but necessary. And I'm really rather enjoying the change. 

Its also made me re asses going forward fully into a new term and new season, my schedule, time blocking, prioritizing and being realistic with to dos, goals, and how many hours there are in a day! 

I am someone who thrives on routine and enjoys planning. With the exception of lazy summer days to float through, or cozy wintry Sundays to potter at home, I am happiest with a clear goal, plan and list- however short or succinct it may be. So I am looking forward to taking a quiet moment or two over this weekend before the new school term roars off with soccer training at 7am on Monday to plan, get out my diary, and schedule in time for writing, for outdoor activities, for chores, for family and for me. I am excited to have days or times earmarked with no distractions to pursue my writing and start the editing process. To realize a dream. 

 A wise, dear and trusted friend said to me last week:

" You can be the sweetest, juiciest peach on the tree and you're still going to come across people who don't like peaches" 

Its so true; So I'll keep to my happy bubble, disregard non peach lovers, keep perusing dreams and loving life fiercely. 

And to celebrate - we are off for dinner and a movie as family this evening, so I better get my skates on.

Happy weekend.