Tag: living well

 

Have you ever had one of those moments where you think, “Life just doesn’t get better than this!”?  The kids are off to school without too many incidents, or you just have the house to yourself, the house is quiet, you have your favorite morning coffee or tea-cup in your hand, and you just sigh…life is good!  It’s about what is happening, or is not happening at the time.  How many of those kind of moments do you have?  Time has stopped long enough, and you have stopped long enough, to catch and notice that something special just happened in that moment.  You might even sink into your favorite chair and savor it, or be driving down the road with a big smile on your face!  What do those moments look like for you?  What is it that makes up your special moments; a moment that speaks to your soul?

One of my special moments is something I set up for myself in my day.  It’s part of my regime.  When I get up, I have a breakfast of some sort and then I make myself a mocha.  I come into my living room with my mocha and start the fireplace, light a candle and enjoy the quiet of the house, and read my devotions.  I look around in gratitude for what have and what I see.  I don’t speed through these moments because I want to savor them… and let them seep into the rest of my day.

I do this at my desk also.  When I am working at my desk or writing, I have a candle burning in my cabin, sometimes music playing in the background, and I enjoy looking out my windows and see nature all around me.  I notice those times as special moments that keep me grounded.  It gives me perspective, and if I allow it, it can change my perspective as well.  I can say truthfully, that this slowing down process has definitely changed my life.  I don’t just sit during those times drinking my mocha.  I look around, appreciate what I see, what I have, and say thanks for it.

So…when I got this little book with a BIG message in the mail yesterday, I sat down and read the book.  It carries such an impactful message that I believe very strongly in.  I don’t want to overlook opportunities to enjoy special moments, which may be alone with myself,  with my boys or grandson, spouse, and friends.  Do you know that these moments can be created?  It’s not just for those who have nothing else to do.  It can be for anyone.  You can create your own special moments, just by being aware they are there.  You may still miss some, but when you are intentional about creating those special moments, more of those moments will happen.  Fun, huh?  Here are a few of them that came to mind:

• It might be the next time you are baking cookies in the kitchen with someone.
• Catch the moment with a picture and then share it.
• Throwing a ball with a child and see their joy.
• Text a love text to your child/grandchild and get a sweet one back that you save.
• Sending a new to a loved one in the mail, knowing it could encourage them in their day.
• Adventures by the creek so you can watch them explore and see their reactions.
• A walk in nature where you slow your pace and breathe deep, see the light shine through the trees.
• On a walk with your special someone holding hand as you walk.
• Sitting by the bonfire outside with family and friends enjoying their company with mugs of hot chocolate.
• Cuddling in bed before starting your day.
• It might be in the car when your child or grandchild says something sweet, and it just makes your moment.
• It could be in a secret message or sign that you have that only your family knows, and you share it together.
• Or as we did last Sunday…go for a drive and see some place you haven’t explored.

It does require us to live intentionally, as this book talks about.  You might have to ask yourself some questions about what activities can bring about that kind of atmosphere for you.  I made some of those changes as we moved to a different area.  I knew at this point in my life that I needed more quiet, and I wanted more country in my life.  I didn’t want to live on a noisy corner anymore where I would here loud talking and peeling of tires at all hours of the morning.  Where we live now has been peaceful for me.  I have trees and green all around me.  I have wild life that come to visit.  I stop what I am doing to watch and enjoy them.  I can drive about 30 minutes and be at the ocean.  But I had to be willing to make that move to have more of what I needed in my life.  It meant being further from family and friends.  I don’t like that part.  Not at all.  But I am beginning to understand that sometimes we are placed for a season, and for a reason only God knows.  I have learned to be thankful for those times.  God gave me The Captain (my Mini) so I can make trips up to see my kids and family whenever I can.  I am creating those special moments in my life because it is important to me.  I also love having them come down, as well as, making it special for them while they are in our home!

Maybe you like where you are, but you haven’t made the time to really enjoy it.  I would encourage you to take the time to look around.  Whatever makes your heart sing is what you need more of in your life!  You may be thinking, she can do that at her stage in life.  Yes I can.  But if busy people can also do this in their daily lives, and still notice and create special moments, I’m giving you a head start into contentment in your future WAY earlier than what I learned!  It has taken a lot of years to learn to live in that kind of environment, and plenty of sacrifices have been made to live a life that also feeds my heart and soul.  But I will say it is worth it!  However, I’m still learning.

God has me doing some new things this year to create more margin in my life for what is important. He will keep molding us and changing us if we allow it.  I’m always thankful to learn a new thing.  God even tells us He is doing a new thing.  I put my arm out and say, “Go ahead God.  I’m in!”

I leave you with a couple of questions:

• What really excites you more than anything else in your life?
• What do you enjoy being around, or what environment feeds your soul the most?

Now, think of some of those special moments you have loved in your life.  Who wouldn’t want more of that in life?  It will change your perspective and you will always feel more aligned with your life.  You won’t have to feel guilt over not doing it any more because you will begin living this way each day.  How do I know that?  Despite some very hard times and experiences in my life, I have learned the above is true.  It is what makes my heart squeeze with excitement.  It is what makes it beat a little faster.  It makes me expectant of what God will put in front of me each day.  And it certainly makes me a better person to be around. Make some “It doesn’t get better than this!” moments of your own!  We can’t stop time, but we sure can make use of it in ways that makes us happy we are alive!  I would love to hear your answers to the questions!  Share by leaving your comments below on the blog.

Just a moment…

Take a chance.  Walk through the door.  Put your arm out ahead of you and say, “I’m all in Lord!  Let’s go!”

Food for the heart and soul…

~JoAnn