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| Roses (in June) and “False Sunflowers” (currently still blooming in my garden) |
This post, by Wilma Jones, has the catchy title, Live in the Dang Moment, Please and you can read it on the blog, Happily Ever After. The author encourages women to “stop and smell the roses” - or in her words, “take a moment to just live in the moment with yourself.” She says women are too often caught up in day-to-day tasks and planning for the future - - instead of enjoying the beauty around us, and each moment for what it is.
I am unfortunately frequently guilty of not living in the moment. Just ask my husband. He often scolds me for seeing every event as a “photo or video opportunity” - and he reminds me to put down the camera and just “enjoy the moment.” (However - he is always happy when we have the photos/videos to look at later!)
When we entertain guests, I often find myself so caught-up in the preparations and implementation of a party, that I forget to relax and participate fully in the event. While I derive a large degree of satisfaction from feeding my guests well and making sure they are comfortable - I need to remind myself that the main purpose of the event is for us to enjoy visiting with our company.
I am a list maker. Sometimes I set pretty lofty goals, and then feel committed to carrying them out - even when I am the only person expecting me to do so. This happens a lot when we are preparing to go on a vacation. I usually have a long list of things that I want to accomplish before I leave. Trying to finish it all often leaves me stressed and exhausted, and that is not a good way to start a vacation! It would be better if I would “live in the dang moment” and just do what is necessary, instead of tackling projects that are not necessary or can wait until we get back.
One of the advantages to living in Montana, is that my surroundings frequently remind me to enjoy life as it presents itself. When I look out my window I might see a bull elk on the hill behind my house, or sunshine making the snow on the mountains sparkle, or a red-tailed hawk circling overhead. I cannot help but pay attention to these gifts of nature when I see them, and remember to “live in the moment.”
Of course there are times when we must be task-oriented and put our own needs and comforts aside. But perhaps we should all identify some triggers to remind us to slow down. Some things we can recognize as a reminder to enjoy life as it presents itself, not as it will be in the future. All of the things I just described help me to do so.
Take time to “smell the roses” - or chrysanthemums - or poinsettias - or whatever flower is in season. Life is too short to miss out on the joy of it, while we are attempting to live it.
In other words, remember to make the most - of every moment!
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| I have good memories of “taking time to smell the flowers” and enjoy my family, when we visited this pumpkin patch. |
What are some things that remind you to “stop and smell the roses?”
So true! I think most women have a hard time with this. I very often try to plan and do too much on vacations, too! I'm guilty of trying to cram too many things into every moment. :)
ReplyDeleteWell, at least I am not the only one then!
DeleteI can certainly identify with this and I applaud you for bringing it to the attention of women! Sometimes I'd come home from high school events with a camera loaded with photos of my daughters. My husband would be beaming away at REAL LIFE memories of their athletic or academic achievements seen with his own eyes. I promised myself I'd do better after a few of those occasions!
ReplyDeleteSomehow, though, when an occasion presents itself, it always seems important to turn it into a photo memory! There has to be a happy medium!
DeleteReally good advice Susan! Thanks for reminding me. I'm guilty of all of the things you said you do!
ReplyDeleteSounds like we are in good company :)
DeleteGreat post Susan. I'm just like you - I'm very task oriented and often forget to slow down and enjoy the moment. Thank you for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteFrom the comments, it sounds like a lot of us ( women - or bloggers!) are like this!
DeleteI'm adding myself to this growing list - it must certainly be something many of us struggle with. But, you are so right - it is very important to slow down and enjoy the moments instead of plowing on to check one more thing off the list! I need constant reminding. I can only imagine looking out to see a bull elk, or sparkling snow, but there are so many beautiful things right where we all are. Thank you for sharing your lovely post.
ReplyDeleteYou are exactly right - every place has its own beauty that should be enjoyed without distraction, and is a good reminder to us to enjoy the other moments in our lives that way as well! From the photos you have posted Karen, I can tell that you are surrounded by beauty where you live as well!
DeleteI think taking care of mom has made me slow down alot and just enjoy every minute we have. I know I'm better at not sweating the small stuff like I used to.
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Rena! I am sorry you had to learn the lesson in this way, but not sweating the small stuff is a good way to be!
Deletei also fall victim to not living in the moment, i keep thinking of tomorrow, and the past
ReplyDeleteMaybe the past, present and future are just so entwined it is hard to separate them. But I think it is good to try to focus on enjoying each moment as it happens.
DeleteI plead guilty. My garden is a help - except that I see what needs to be done (heaps) rather than focussing on the beauty which is there. Ironically, a walk with my camera often does anchor me to the moment. I stop planning my next chore and focus on beauty. Always a gift.
ReplyDeleteMy sentiments exactly, in terms of my garden! I like your perspective on photography. Blogging is a little like that for me. I really get lost in the creation of a post.
DeleteI too am a list maker...lists of my lists... Very good advice here.
ReplyDeleteYes - I also make lists of lists. And I have been known to even write something I have done on a list, just to be able to cross it off!
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