When simple reminders mean something big
Yesterday was a beautiful October day here in southern Ontario. The sun was shining, the air was crisp, and the sky was a clear, cloudless blue. It was my favourite kind of autumn day.
And I almost didn’t notice it.
That’s because I spent the morning inside the house tackling chores that needed to be done – making breakfast, cleaning the kitchen, sorting through winter coats and boots, paying bills, and replying to emails.
I was distracted.
It was only when my dog Tank made it clear he needed a walk that I set my tasks aside and went outdoors. I’d like to say that as soon as I stepped into the bright sunshine, I released all thoughts of what I wanted to get done to enjoy the beauty of the season. But I didn’t. Instead, my mind remained focused on the things I intended to accomplish that day. As a result, I was distracted and followed the dog with my eyes down and my thoughts full.
A simple reminder.
That’s when I came across a brilliant, scarlet leaf laying in the grass alongside the sidewalk. Its vivid beauty snapped me out of my trance and brought me immediately to the present moment and the wonder of my surroundings.
What a simple reminder, I thought to myself as I picked up the leaf and put it in my bag. As I walked around the neighbourhood I wondered what other reminders keep me feeling grounded and connected to the present moment: a bird visiting the feeder, a hug from my child, a breeze on my face, a flower blooming in the garden.
When I got home, I set the leaf on the living room table so I’d remember to remain open to the beauty of each moment.
I’m sharing it with you, so you remember, too.
What simple reminders help you embrace the beauty of the moment? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
You’re wonderful.
Mary Lou
What a great blog, Mary Lou! I love it and I had a similar experience in Waterloo Park last Friday. I was collecting colourful leaves to share with my students but, in the process, I really slowed down and enjoyed them and the moment. What a great time : ).
The reminder I want to share, though, is something different. Yesterday, I went to speak with my son about some scheduling items and when I got face to face with him, I burst out laughing! Awhile back, I had picked up this silly package of fake mustaches to suggest we do a silly night where all of us at home wear them just for fun. We hadn’t opened them and I had forgotten all about them. When I walked up to him yesterday, there he was, working on his laptop with one of the mustaches on. He looked up casually and spoke to me like nothing was amiss. I laughed so loud! And then I put one on and we waited for my husband’s reaction later at dinner. It was priceless as he chuckled, caught completely off-guard. It brought back memories of when my son was much younger and a couple of times, when I got home from work, I’d go grab two Nerf guns and toss one to him before dinner and and start shooting. We’d run around the house and yard for a few minutes in an impromtu battle. Lots of fun out of nowhere. Great memories and good fun. I love that my son shook me out of the mundane yesterday. Good reminder.