Tag Archives | pleasures

Nature’s Path to Gratitude

By on July 13, 2010 in Personal Growth

If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things of nature have a message that you understand, rejoice, for your soul is alive.  ~Eleonora Duse

We are surrounded by the beauty of nature every day. It is free, available and takes nothing from us. Instead it only asks for us to open our eyes and enjoy. The work I do in the garden is a labor of love; a respite from the demands of the world.

Your slice of nature may be a sprawling country home with majestic gardens or a city park; even a potted plant in your window will do. Whenever you need a reminder to be grateful for all this life has to offer, immerse yourself in nature and be reminded…

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Gratitude for the Gift of Time

By on June 25, 2010 in Personal Growth

You’ve heard that old saying, “The best things in life are free.” I always thought it was kind of lame and not really an appropriate sentiment in this era of consumerism and material gift giving. Who doesn’t like shiny jewelry, new clothes, great perfume, a wonderful book or fresh flowers? I sure do!

Despite this sort of underlying cultural pressure, I underwent a drastic change in perspective several years ago. I had become so tired of the last minute, just run to the store and whip out your credit card for a gift type process. In a flash of insight, I requested “experiences” from all of my children for Mother’s Day one year. I thought this was the easiest holiday to start with since it was all about me! They seemed sort of confused at first and didn’t really know what to do with that request – even my husband groaned. But soon they caught on and the practice has now spilled over to other holidays as well.

picnicI have been given amusement park outings, picnics, horseback riding, photography hikes, massages, pedicures and historic garden tours. We have started giving this type of gift to others as well: lessons, concerts, mini-trips, shows, manicures, facials, wine tours and special meals. Just last week my youngest son took me on a picnic to our favorite spot for Mother’s Day.  It was an entire afternoon of food, photos, nature and fun. The conversation and connecting that happens on these outings is simply unrivaled. I couldn’t help but create my own “American Express type” commercial:

  • Picnic lunch at Dave’s Diner – $20
  • Entrance fee for Pratt’s Falls – $1
  • The smile on my son’s face – Priceless!

“The best things in life really are free.”

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What Do You Look Forward to?

By on May 4, 2010 in Goals, Motivation, Personal Growth

Do you have something to look forward to?

Do you have inspiring goals and plans? A “want-to-do” or “like-to-do” list? When you are submerged in the daily drama of living; marriage, raising your children, working or building a business can you see beyond that? What comes after? There is more to life than what is happening today although I understand that many days it feels like just getting through the day is all you can handle. I know, I get it. I have felt that way too. But if you never look beyond today, then what incentive do you have?

I am not saying that you should not be happy or content wherever you are in life. Certainly be present in your daily life and enjoy the experiences you have, but also take time to look forward. There is nothing wrong with planning for the future or contemplating the path you need to take to achieve your goals. As long as you don’t become so obsessed with your future to the exclusion of your present, then it can be very healthy actually. People who don’t ever look to the future stop growing and invariably lose their zest for life.

Your “something to look forward to” may be a weekend trip next month or the vacation of a lifetime in 3 years. It may be that you’ve always wanted to have a certain career, live in a different place, build or buy your dream home. There are so many possibilities, so many experiences available.

What do you look forward to?

My list is almost endless: a weekend trip with my husband, a vacation to Hawaii, a visit to tour Italy, books that I want to read, the garden oasis that I envision in my backyard…..

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Do You Have a Bucket List? 101 Things to Do Before You Die

By on February 2, 2010 in Life Balance

What is a bucket list you ask?

If you haven’t heard about the Bucket List, also called 101 Things to Do Before You Die or a Life List, it is simply a list of all of the things you want to do, be or have, places you want to see, experiences you want to live, goals, dreams, etc. before you “kick the bucket.” I believe the term was inspired by the movie, The Bucket List with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman who play terminally ill men that attempt to fulfill their bucket list before they die. (It’s a great movie if you haven’t seen it.)

Why a bucket list?

Life passes us by in a blur of commitments and everyday tasks without leaving much time for thought of what we’d really like to experience in life. Our worst fear is to lie our deathbed lamenting that “someday” never came and we never got the opportunity to do all of those things we intended to get to eventually. The painful reality is that we can’t achieve what we don’t know we want!

How do you create a bucket list?

This week, set aside some time to create your life list and stop putting off your goals, dreams and wishes until “someday.” Ask yourself what you’d like to do before you die. If that is too hard to fathom, then start by asking what if you only had a year left to live? If you already have a list, then take time to review it. Look at it on a regular basis, at least yearly, but I recommend monthly or quarterly. You’ll be surprised at what you can accomplish.

Some questions to get the juices flowing:

  • What have you always wanted to do but haven’t done yet?
  • What would you do if time or resources were not an obstacle?
  • What are your major goals and aspirations?
  • Any places you want to visit or things want to see?
  • What experiences do you want to have / feel?
  • What activities or skills do you want to learn or attempt?
  • Are there any particular people you want to meet in person?
  • What do you want to achieve in the different areas: Love, Family, Career, Finance, Health, Spiritual, and Community?
  • What do you need to do to lead a life of the greatest meaning to you

Some suggestions from other’s lists:

  • Learn a new language
  • Try out a new career
  • Run a marathon/triathlon
  • Take up a new sport.
  • Learn horseback riding
  • Start your own business doing something you love
  • Achieve financial abundance with your passion
  • Be a mentor to someone
  • Try an extreme sport – Bungee jump, Skydiving, Parachuting, Mountain climbing
  • Make a difference in someone’s life
  • Write a book on something that means a lot to you
  • Sing your favorite song to an audience
  • Public speaking in front of a crowd
  • Get a complete makeover!
  • Play a new musical instrument
  • Take dancing lessons
  • Learn a martial art
  • Go on a road trip
  • Fly in a helicopter
  • Go on a cruise
  • Learn sign language
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