Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures
As we approach the end of the school vacation, if I'm really honest, I wasn't looking forward to getting back into the "Daily grind" and all that comes with a busy family term-time schedule.
However, Ive been reminded in a couple of instances this past week of not only how precious and fleting life is, but also it is what we make of it- how we choose to navigate though it.
So while I've thoroughly enjoyed the slower pace at home over the last fortnight, I have decided to choose to reframe some of the current givens and musts during this particular season of my life.
What can I learn and challenge myself with during my working day? How can I be as good as possible at my job? How can I show up daily for my colleagues as a happy, obliging, and professional person? How can I remain unaffected by stressful situations or any conflict in my place of work if it doesn't immediately involve me, steering clear of gossip?
When you change the way you look at things, things around you change.
I have just walked home from the local ANZAC service held annually outside the community hall. A moving ceremony in which we show gratitude, remembrance, honor, and support our communities and all the pillars and personalities that bond us all together. I have attended this service every year since we moved to the area, and know well, or am familiar with most of the faces surrounding the flagpole and wreaths to some degree, from babies to the very elderly.
I reflected as we stood there in the warm watery sunshine, how fortunate I am to be part of such a special place. That we all have our family stories, memories, traumas, and challenges, yet here we are, in a show of solidarity to the fallen all those years ago.
None of us know how long we have here- therefore we owe it to ourselves to live life to its fullest, be the best person we can be, love fiercely, and take care of our minds and bodies so that we give ourselves the best chance of remaining on earth with our loved ones for as long as we can.
This is not intended to be gloomy- more to serve as a reminder, to cherish what we have, and strive for our dreams. But in doing so, endeavoring not to overlook today, what opportunities and gifts we already are so fortunate to have.
I would dearly love to write full-time- as many of you know, my ultimate dream is to work from home on my books and take frequent walks with my dog.
Where I am now in my life and my job is firmly on that pathway- if I choose to view it like that, its all helping to serve me and enable me.
Without the work I do, I wouldn't know so many stood around the flagpole today. Most of my dearest friends I may not have had a chance to meet, and certainly being enveloped in this special community is something I truly treasure.
Until our dreams and goals are realised, we mustn't overlook that it's likely where we are right now was only a dream to us 10, 15, maybe 20 years ago. To be a part of my community, to have raised a family here, to live in our beautiful home, and to feel the sense of belonging I do was a mere dream in my early 20's. So while I eagerly anticipate the next chapter, I'm not skimming the current one.
It's important we don't mistake success for happiness- the two are not the same at all. Happiness can only come from within.
I am drawn to writing in a way that is hard to explain- I need to do it, I feel fulfilled when I do, and so thrilled and warm and glowy when I know something I have written has not only been read, but enjoyed or pondered upon. Perhaps even inspired or sparked a thought in a reader.
If your passion doesn't serve people, it's not a purpose. Use your passion in the service of others, and it becomes a purpose. Jay Shetty
The quote above was such an incredible Ah-ha moment for me. While I'm longing to have my books published and even to gain more readers here, the fact that I have touched some people means that it is a valid purpose; my readers want to read what I have to say as much as I want to write it for them.
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