Delight in the little things

“Delight in the little things.” Rudyard Kipling

Sometimes  I think that I need to express gratitude for the "big" or important things : family, friends, home, good job. etc.  Of course these are so important, but is noticing and appreciating little things that make us happy on a day-to-day basis. Delighting in little things turns the seemingly mundane into magic and mystery.

Noticing the beauty in the drops of rain clinging precariously to the bare branches of my tree.
Looking out the window and seeing the birds gather around the bird feeder - eagerly trying to get the "prime" location , make washing the dishes not so much a chore.
Spotting that little green shoot in the  barren garden that tells me my tulips are on the way up.
Feeling the mild breeze on my cheeks announcing the hope of spring.
Watching plump snowflakes drifting  lazily to the ground ...even in March!

These little daily things fill my heart with beauty and wonder... I don't need to feel lack when the "big" things don't appear.

Just in the moment, savouring it all.....

In gratitude for the small daily wonders that  so enrich my life,

Marg 

Good friends and good food

Last night I had a good friend from Italy over for supper.  It was so nice to connect with her and share a good meal.  We ate healthy and light and it was all delicious.  A lot of my posts seem to be about food and friends.  It is a wonderful combination.  Reminds me  a bit of the book  Eat, Pray and Love, when the author savoured good food in the company of friends. Good food is good on it's own , but so much better when shared with family or friends. Just so grateful to  to have both to share wonderful meals together.

 In gratitude,
Margaret

Anonymous Note

Just went to pick up some early morning groceries.  Someone had put a hot pink stickie note on the grocery  cart saying " If someone makes fun of you , you must be doing something right", followed by a heart.  Thanks to the anonymous writer for  for the day brightener - made me smile and set the tone for the day!
 Left the grocery store and saw a slim crescent moon in the pale blue morning sky - how lovely!
In gratitude for all that is,
Marg

Charles Dickens and Gratitude

“Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes of which all men have some.”

Charles Dickens (1812-1870)

It is so easy to live in the past, dwelling on  " could'ves,  should'ves, would'ves"  while  ignoring all  that is good right now.  So easy to replay that  same old loop over and over again - reliving past pain, opportunities missed,  or perceived injustices. So easy to live in the mind, ignoring the present, unaware of the gentle breeze, the warm sun,  the  delicious aroma of fresh baked bread.... locked in our minds replaying past scenarios. We need to live in the moment,  be aware and  conscious of all that is,  to be  thankful for our blessings.

So much to be grateful for.....

So much to be grateful for today.

The beautiful blue sky after a day of rain,
warm breezes, totally above normal temps for this time of year,
puddles where all the snow is melting,
birds chirping and flitting from branch to branch.
Ahh...spring is just around the corner!

Yummy orange streusel muffins  - a new recipe I just tried
Jasmin Earl Grey Green tea with honey,
Lentil sweet potato soup simmering on the stove,
the kitchen full of the aroma of cumin and tumeric.

And to end a wonderful day, I am heading out to my meditation group.

Life is good!
In gratitude,
Marg

Beautiful Day

All that we behold is full of blessings. - William Wordsworth

I was out walking my dog  and it was a gorgeous day. I finally have been feeling well enough for a good  walk.  The sky was bright blue, the air a bit crisp, birds chirping up a "songfest" and snow melting.  Spring is right around the corner!   I am grateful  for the beautiful day and grateful that my nasty cold is over.    I savoured the experience.  Being in the moment without engaging the mind  brings a sense of contentment  -  a sense that all is as it should be.

Going  to end a good day  curled up on the sofa with a good book - something I haven't done in  a while - something  which I will enjoy immensely!

In gratitude,
Marg

What if ?

A friend posted this on her facebook wall.  Made me think about being grateful so  I thought I'd share it with you.. It echoes  my recurring theme of being grateful for what you have right now.