What Day Is It?

I love the look of a hammock – very inviting. I do have one on my property - it does look awesome!  When I first hung my newly claimed treasure in my yard one of my neighbors actually said “Looks great, when will we see you use it?”

So, here’s the Thing…….

About six years ago I made a conscious decision to free myself from the busyness of life, the crazy schedules, racing from here to there, trying to be everything to everybody....I was tired of saying "I'm busy, so very, very busy!" 

I was on a mission - decluttering, reorganizing and reprioritizing my life. I was learning to live simply - simplifying everything, from my cottage and "stuff" to me - mind, body and soul. Crazy notion, right?  Well, I was doing really well - I had found my groove and had a good handle on my new life. I really enjoyed the quietness in my head.  However, lately I find I have slipped back into an old habit of "beat the clock" and it's just been go, go, go. 

This week while racing around I began to wonder where May and June have gone....its Summer and I don't know what happened to Spring! Why is it that I'm feeling like there are never enough hours in a day or days in a month? It seems one day I'm weeding, planting and working on that to-do list, and the next thing - I realized - is that if I don't slow it down and enjoy my days, I'll be preparing for snow and I will have missed it all.

Am I taking the time to really enjoy living?

So my question is:

Are we so busy with the everyday demands on our time and emotions that we have forgotten to stop and enjoy the simple pleasure of living? Trust me, there have been days, weeks recently where I have just managed to keep one foot in front of the other trying to cross something off that never ending to-do list. Lately, I fall into bed, thinking about my day – and wondering … did I enjoy it and live my best life?  And then I fall asleep too exhausted to even answer the question.

With the hustle and bustle of daily living I'm re-committing to my promise of six years ago to slow it down, breath and reconnect with myself - to find time, carve it out for me and enjoy a few moments of peace and solitude – rejuvenating, however and whatever that may be.

Today I am challenging you to join me.  Take control, even if only for a while – claim it as your own. Take that walk in the woods - breath in nature.  Stop and see what flowers are growing in your garden - literally, stop and smell the roses. Start that book your girlfriend has recommended - at least the first chapter. Have that bath - with bubbles! Go to yoga - stretch or just sit - quietly.  Take time to reflect and rejuvenate your thankful soul. You will feel better!

As for me – what better time than now to head out to that wonderful hammock!  I have a book I have wanted to start for some time – and right now is “me time” - I’m disappearing from the world…..even if it's for only 20 minutes - unless I fall asleep!

Are you feeling the pressures of life? How do you cope? What practices help keep you stay grounded and grateful? Send me a note - I'd love to hear from you.

"What day is it?” asked Pooh.

"It’s today.” squeaked Piglet.

“My favorite day.” Said Pooh.

Until next time - Live Simply!

- Mary Elizabeth