Simple moments of quiet contentment.
Appreciating simple moments means slowing down and noticing what might ordinarily be overlooked.
I came across this quotation and it made me stop and save it to share with you…
Most of your life will not be extraordinary. Most of your life will be the simple things, done regularly. If you’re only going to be happy when you’re on vacation after a big payday, after a career win, you’re going to spend most of your life dissatisfied. You either learn to love the days as it is, or you don’t learn to love life at all. – Brianna Wiest.
I thought of simple things done regularly, the rather boring things in life are sprinkled with little delights that are often overlooked. Here are some of mine in no particular order. Of course this is not an exhaustive list...
Appreciating time together.
Finding quiet comfort of sitting with a loved one, no conversation necessary. Or sharing a laugh...
A great discussion with friends – have you ever felt like you have solved all the world's problems just by talking with friends who might (or might not) share the same world view as yours?
Feeling invigorated after meeting new friends and enjoying their company.
Noticing the change of seasons in the neighbourhood and further afield.
A walk in the neighbourhood (or a little further away) really paying attention to all the changes each season brings. Noticing the red berries on trees, the way sunlight shines on the leaves, last season’s dried wild flowers…
Appreciating the smell of the outdoors on sheets and towels dried in the sun and wind.
Noticing all the ways people welcome spring with newly planted flowers, trees, etc.
Enjoying a delicious meal.
Appreciating nature around me.
Feeling the warm breeze on a spring day.
Early mornings.
The first cup of hot coffee in the morning – ahhhhhh…Rosie sitting on my lap as I plan my day. When will I bring her for a walk? Which projects will I work on today?
Accessing all types of reading and continued learning.
Great stories in novels that transport you to other countries, other cultures, other times…Reading about politics, history, nutrition, art, home decorating....All things I enjoy.
Living an ordinary life is a source of quiet contentment.
The small everyday routines allow us to live in the moment, to find joy in the calm rhythm of life itself. Life doesn’t have to be filled with extraordinary events to be meaningful.
In learning to embrace the simple moments, we find fulfilment in the present and a deep sense of gratitude.
So now, I am off for a walk in our neighbourhood with Rosie. What will you be doing today?
What simple things do you embrace?
Signs of spring, delicious foods and marvelous seasonal paintings make appreciating the simple moments more wonderful, indeed. Thanks for sharing your optimism and splendid artworks, my friend Louise. 🙂
Thank you Phil.
Oh my dear Louise you’re right. All of these simple things make our life beautiful. Sadly often we forget to be grateful for little beauties of nature or also moments we enjoy without second thought. Thank you for your reminder of these.
– I think challenges and problems often take more place in our minds than the beautiful small moments that make up our daily lives. I try to change my frame of mind especially when I go walking or when I am with close friends and family. I want to make each moment count. Have a lovely week ahead dear Birgit.
Right now, it’s sitting in the sun with my paints, reflecting on the scene in front of me.
Perfect! I am also enjoying a quiet moment after spending the morning packing. We move in a little over a month so time for art will be found in between moving chores. Have a creatively filled weekend Graham.
A particularly delightful post. Thank you.
Thanks Vivienne. I have less time for art these days so this was “filler” with art from previous years. Enjoy the weekend.