by Kim
It's a choice, really, to spend an afternoon . . . it's also a choice not to.
While out on a morning adventure, after soaking in a beautiful foggy morning in a park over a pond, I followed a path through a familiar area. But for some reason on my way back to my car, I noticed something I hadn't remembered the week before. It was a swing, a red painted swing. And not just any swing, but one with a place to put your feet. And as you pushed with your feet, the swing . . . started swinging. And you know, I can't remember the last time I was on a swing.
The morning had flown by, as I had completely lost track of time as usual. In fact the morning was turning into almost noon and I had things I needed to get done. But as I looked at the swing one more time, I could just hear it calling out to me. So I did what any person would do, I listened!
I sat my camera bag down first, and then myself. And with my feet in place I closed my eyes, and as I began to swing I could feel the breeze gently blowing my hair. There was such a fluid motion, a rhythm that mimicked the pace of nature. And it was nice...and peaceful...and relaxing.
And then, my phone rang. It was my husband in need of some help making an important decision, and he wanted me to meet him for lunch, like yesterday.
Yes, I was grateful for that swing. I was grateful that I didn't ignore its call and grateful for having those moments to recharge, and relax without thinking about anything. And it's a good thing that I've long gotten over going to a restaurant with hesitation even though I had morning hair and no makeup, after walking on a warm humid morning (read glistening), and in less than desirable clothes. Oh, I was a sight alright . . .
So I say, spend the afternoon, because in spending it you take it with you! And you never know when you will need to pull from those resources.
19 comments:
I so agree with you. To take the time to stop and enjoy is so important. Great shot!
Beautiful thoughts. I hope your decision goes well. I think the mental break you gave yourself would have given you a clear head to make a good decision. It's a great quote and I love the clever pov in the picture.
What great advice...I haven't swung on a swing in many years. You made a good decision in stopping and giving it a go! I love the perspective of your photo. And I hope you had a good lunch! :)
Great idea! Those moments are precious and rare
Great photo! Such fun. And a wonderful reminder to be present. Now.
Gorgeous image with the blur of the ground. Tack sharp
Beautiful pov.
And your message reached me loud and clear! As I grow older, and both our parents have become needy, there is a constant fear something might happen... it makes me feel responsible like all the time... it weighs. And moments to feel like a child again, become rare to non-existent. It's been ages since I sat on a swing, or on a merry-go-round... I'd love that!
Next time, I'll think of your story and go for a ride, or a swing.... I'm sure you made the right decision afterwards, with a clear head. Priceless!
Marleen
So much joy and emotion in that photograph Kim! What a perfect perspective. I have used the phrase spent an afternoon quite often, but have never thought of it as "spend the afternoon". I often use it in the past tense and this is such a great reminder to spend the time to be in that moment and soak it all in. Thank you friend!
I agree-- a swing can bring back such lovely memories as well as give you a place to just lose yourself in the moment and savor it!
Love the thought and the image. (cute tootsies)
Love this post so much and the quote is just awesome! I've written it down in my quote book. Thank you so much for sharing.
Such a wonderful reminder to all of us to take the time to spend an afternoon. I love to swing and haven't done it in years (decades?) but your photo makes me feel like I'm on that swing with you, feeling the wind in my hair. I think I'm going to go out and spend the afternoon today! Thank you so much for the inspiration.
Wonderful the wind on your face and through your hair lovely to spend some time with you...
sometimes it's the simplest things that bring the most joy. thank you for sharing yours with us. love, kelly
So glad you were open to the swing's calling....To be open to an adventure is the beginning....Love this photograph and I can just picture you swinging and being refueled...
Very true. Far too often, an afternoon passes without being 'spent'.
We have a garden swing. It's nice to sit and swing, and not really think about a thing.
Wonderful, wise post and image to go with it!
this is so lovely, Kim. You have such a wonderful way of focusing on the little things in life, the important things in life. thank you for your insights!!
Lovely post! We all need to take a break and refresh. I still swing, a lot; by myself and with my grandkids! I haven't seen a swing with the foot board in a long, long time! Sounds like a delightful break!
Although I work full time (very thankful I have a job), I make a point of taking leisurely drives along the California coast. Nothing like it to drive away all the stresses of life. Happy to read you stopped and got on that swing!
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