Savoring simple daily pleasures
I have just walked back into my sun filled cozy home, with the fire still burning in the hearth- lit before dawn, from a long, frosty and unimaginably beautiful walk. It was a true winter wonderland out there - something here in the upper North Island we don't experience that frequently in winter. The course I took for my delicious coffee pause in the village was around 9Km, and while it mostly followed the road, a large park and lots of green space boarders the route and some wide expansive views across trees to the water.
I was genuinely thrilled to be fortunate enough to experience such an outrageously beautiful morning, and countless picturesque vignettes. I felt exhilarated and with each fridged breath felt my heart soar a little higher and my well of gratitude fill to the very brim. I wish I could bottle that feeling and bring it out when I need it. Everything felt right with the world and I felt so at peace. And so incredibly blessed and content.
While we are navigating some bumpy territory as a family at present, and doing our best to remain positive and grounded, when I'm walking out in nature- (whatever the weather but on a breathtakingly beautiful morning as this even more so-) You cannot but be in the present moment. Absorbing the delights of the season and mother nature's magic asks of you, very persuasively, to be here in the now. In these rich moments it would require a conscious effort to dwell on the past or think too much of the future. As I walk in these surroundings, one foot in front of the other, no distractions, not even a breeze, just bird song, I know, deep, deep down, that everything will work out. It is all happening for a reason. And I am right here in this exact moment, exactly where I should be.
It is these vital times, this space we afford ourselves regularly, that provides an environment and mindset for the grounding and reflection we need. Some may find this space in other ways and from different sources, but as a self diagnosed HSP (highly sensitive person) and an extroverted introvert- I love the company of others, but I need to have the ability to dial it back afterwards and have time alone, to recharge, digest and reset.
We have a home which is well set up for entertaining (Not that that is required to entertain but it helps! We have lived in far smaller homes and still filled it with the company of family and friends regularly) And I love to entertain- I enjoy cooking and hosting, planning, creating - lighting candles, or the open fire or the Barbecue, polishing glassware, placing fresh towels in the powder room, fresh flowers in the entrance way, re stocking amenities so guest feel welcome and catered for, and preparing food and drinks to delight and satiate. But I have also learned I need to top myself back up after these events or gatherings. I have an inbuilt expectation how long these things may go for, and when approach that boundary I start to feel drained not enlivened. I know I need time alone to process and refuel afterwards- even after a casual coffee, or a full blown 5 course late dinner and house guests.
Partly, this may be to do with age and maturity, but I seem to recall always feeling a little like this. These days it is also comforting to know I am not alone- through a likeminded on line community, various authors and bloggers I follow, and friends- who feel just the same. I was delighted to discover a lovely girlfriend of mine was tickled we had tickets to a matinee performance in the city, as it meant we could enjoy lunch out and the show and still both be home for a relaxing shower, an easy supper (A rare "naughty" treat of granola and yoghurt for dinner!) and some peaceful restorative quiet time before bed.
It is important to know your own social boundaries and your expectations- don't let others set those for you. Your needs are yours. When extending invitations or making plans - be clear on a time frame. If needs be, give yourself a get out.
"Do pop in for coffee- 10.30am would be great as we have to head out just before 12"
"We'd love you to come for a casual dinner, lets eat early as its a school night so come around 5.30pm"
"Shall we meet for afternoon tea then we can all be home and cosy before it gets dark and cold?"
You can still be a perfect, gracious hostess, just within the limitations of your energy levels, so hosting wont leave you anxious and fatigued, but allow you to thoroughly enjoy company. Even when My dear Mother comes for dinner, I enjoy the alone time doing the dishes and resetting the kitchen at the end of the evening- having always treasured her time with us all.
I am feeling energized and uplifted after my dreamy morning;
Waking before my alarm (always so much more refreshing that an abrupt awakening- especially if its very dark and sub zero outside!)
A tall glass of water with a squeeze of lemon before a strong black coffee as the fire crackled into life and the shapes of the silhouetted tress began to take form outside the windows.
Hanging white, freshly laundered sheets on the line at first light with numb fingers, then my revitalizing and inspiring walk- punctuated with a delicious warming oat milk coffee.
And home to my sunny warm sanctuary, affectionate kitties, a nourishing breakfast, and a gentle hour of peace and tranquility in which to write.
A pretty perfect start to the weekend. A heart filled with gratitude, fresh linen on the bed, a warm, tidy and inviting home, and after a round of golf with the ladies this afternoon in the sun, a good book to cozy up with by the fire this evening. My coffee was $7. The rest of this glorious day is priceless.
0 $type={blogger}