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Breathe....Celebrate the Small

 

When life presents us with major upheaval it can be difficult to see beyond the chaos. Easier still, to fall into survival mode, focusing so much on the "Big Picture" we fail to notice anything. Or worse, so focused on minutia that we can't see beyond the immediate, the biggest fire. The devil really is in the details on those days.

If this is where you are, STOP! Take a loooong cleansing breath...now, take another.

In all transparency, the above is really a reminder for myself. The last three and a half years of life have been...just, wow! There's been people found and lost too soon, the kids launching, quitting a job, putting plans on hold, understanding new relationships, living alone for a year, health issues and lifestyle changes, cleaning out 28 yrs of stuff, moving across the country, balancing family needs, and more.  
Decisions, so many decisions.

But with the change of seasons (finally!), comes a moment to pause. To breathe. To reacquaint myself with...well...Me! And after all the chaos, I like what I find. Because ultimately, what I have learned through the nuttiness is GRATITUDE.  Gratitude in the moment, for every bit and piece of life that isn't awful. I know, low threshold, but it works. Taking a moment everyday to say, "Ah, that's beautiful, good, glorious, happy, loving." It fills my heart, even if only for a few seconds.

In an effort to follow my own advice, I made a short list of recent moments that I have celebrated.

🍃A cool breeze brushing my skin when it's 90 degrees and 65% humidity. It's glorious. But also the cool breeze that whispers "You just wait, the cold is coming."
🍎Macintosh apples fresh from the tree. I haven't had them since I was a small child. The sweet tartness they add to recipes is beyond yummy
🐦The many birds, squirrels, and chipmunks that entertain me on my daily fitness walks
👣Living so close to a beautiful park for said walks, and stores that I can meander to for most things we need. I'm no longer tied to a car!
🏡Our little apartment and learning to live small, a curated life
💝Incredibly kind people who are helping me navigate my new home

There are so many more that are personal, that bring a quiet smile to my face. Those I hold close to my heart.

Please, take a moment, just a few minutes, to be grateful for all those silly little things that make life worth celebrating.

It's just a thought...
Tracey

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