Thursday, September 10, 2015

Some Things I Learned This Summer

by Judy




I learned that my morning coffee tastes best when I'm sitting on the patio.

I learned that summer seems longer when you don't look at your calendar.

I learned that I love my garden, but I don't love gardening.  Handing that task over to someone else made me enjoy my garden even more.  

I learned that even though family 'things' can take a toll on emotional health, those 'things' are just a part of being a family.

I learned that I don't have to get everything crossed off my to-do list to feel good about myself and my day.

I learned that hugs and kisses from my 12 year old boy are more special than ever, because I know that these are the last days of him being a "little boy." 

I learned that sometimes it's best to just put my camera down and look and see, and be.

I learned how to savor summer.   

We all know it's good for us when we slow down and savor our days, but we also know that many times, that is far easier said than done.  I have to confess, that sometimes it sounds like a whole lot of hooey. But this summer I did it. I sat. I relaxed. I noticed the sights and sounds of summer as I breathed the summer air deep into my lungs, hot and humid as it was.

Sometimes my 'savoring' meant that the laundry wasn't folded right away and the vacuum had three day reprieves, but I can say, and really mean it, that yes, I did it.  I learned how to savor each and every day.   

Now..... with work and school in full swing, and the busy schedules that come with that, can I continue to take the time to savor?  I do hope so, and that is certainly my goal. I hope that the lessons I learned this summer will help me do just that. 

What did you learn this summer?  


"Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have.  Make the NOW the primary focus of your life."  - Eckhart Tolle -




5 comments:

Dotti said...

It sounds like you had a perfectly delightful summer and I love the lessons you learned. That brilliant red flower takes my breath away. My summer was a mix of the good, the bad and the ugly and I've been looking back saying, 'What summer?' So now I shall have to slow down, exhale and savor fall.

terriporter said...

Around here, we usually enjoy the other seasons more than our super hot summers. When I can't get out with my camera, or choose not to because it is so hot, I'm not a very happy girl. But your list can work for any season. Just taking the time to notice what's around you and to savor it and be grateful is something we can do in any season. Love your list and plan to keep it in mind as we head into fall.

Sandra said...

Wise words about enjoy the present moment and savouring things to the full! Such a beautiful red dahlia shot!

gina said...

Well, it sounds like you've really learned how to savor summer. Good for you! It is hard to slow down every day, but I'm working on it. Thank you for sharing that beautiful red dahlia!

Carol said...

I think this is such good advice! I did learn long ago that my coffee tastes better on the deck-no question! I've been considering setting my alarm earlier to do that before work, but I think I would never get up! So I will get up and go early enough to maybe arrive home in time for some sunset deck sitting. Anyway, as Terri said -these ideas are good all year. So glad you found your gratitude. And give your son more hugs than he needs!!!! Now is the time!

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