Thursday, April 11, 2013

Focus on Gratitude

by Judy 



This week I got a much needed day off for the first time in many weeks.  Instead of cleaning, which my house needs badly, or catching up on laundry (also badly needed), I did something that was needed even more than that....  I was still. I was quiet.  I connected with my photography, with nature and with myself. I refreshed and renewed.

I visited a beautiful public garden that I had never before visited. I strolled through the many gardens and the conservatory. I sat. I was quiet. I took it all in. And even though only the first buds and bulbs were beginning to show, there was a true sense of renewal in the air.  

As I sat overlooking the beautiful lake, surrounded by crocuses and snow drops, I made a conscious effort to breathe and to be grateful. I am grateful for that day off. I'm grateful that I saw my first Robin of the spring. I'm grateful for the warmth of the sun and the gentle breeze that blew over me.  I am grateful for the quiet.  I'm grateful that the seemingly barren, brown earth opens up to release beautiful spring flowers and everything that is green. I am grateful for the feeling of renewal that I achieved just by slowing down and being still. 

We all hear over and over how important it is to take care of ourselves first. That without a healthy "you" you can't take care of all of the other things going on in your life. The next time you hear this, and you will, take it to heart. Follow those words. I am grateful that I did. 






11 comments:

Jeanne said...

Beautiful shot and so glad that you chose renewal over cleaning. Always so important to do that!

Dotti said...

Good for you, Judy! Too often we don't listen to that inner voice that tells us to nourish ourselves but oh! the dividends we reap when we do heed that wise voice. And your photo is exquisite! I love the purple-y background.

Remember to breathe!

xo

Cathy H. said...

Beautiful image and words that are so true! We do need to pay attention to ourselves and refresh! So glad you chose to do just that!

Kim Stevens said...

Oh how I know this! I've been able to get out once like this in the last 4 weeks, okay I lie, I think maybe twice, haha! My front porch has been my refuge in the last 4 weeks, listening to the birds and watching the lizards protect their territory, and of course my monarch babies. So glad you followed that voice, she seems to know better than we sometimes. xo Love the contrast of the flowers and that background.

terriporter said...

I used to be very bad about taking time for myself. Raising a family means everybody else comes first. But these days I am making a point of making time for myself to do the things I love. I agree, I am happier because of it. Love the photo that illustrates your post!

ShanLeigh said...

I'm glad you took that time for yourself. A beautiful post about gratitude - reminds us all to stop and smell the flowers :)

Susan W said...

We all know these words yet seldom listen to them. Happy to hear you finally took some time. Believe me the laundry will still be waiting for you when you decide to return to it.

kelly said...

i love this so much judy. like terri said, being a mother means so often we are last on the list which is most of the time ok with me. but i know for a fact that i will never look back on my life and wish i had done a better job cleaning house or doing laundry. days like you're describing are the so essential to our overall well-being. and then in return we can give back to our loved ones. so happy you had a day to enjoy the new life popping up around you and that spring is finally making it's way to your neck of the woods. love,kelly

Linda said...

Beautiful shot! I'm glad you took some "me" time! Wise words indeed!

Carol said...

Sounds like a wonderful day, and after all the work you've been doing lately, it's the best thing you could have done for yourself.
And what a beautiful shot!

CarolHart said...

I am grateful to you for this post. Your words made me feel like I was sitting right next to you at the water's edge. Thank you for that.

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