One of my favorite past times is observing
tourists who come to visit my home town of New York City. Now this may
seem a little bizarre but I discovered by indulging in this little quirky
hobby, I was able to look at my place of residence through a new set
of eyes. For example, I started to look at the skyscrapers just as they
do and was awed by some of the detail and beautiful architecture. Some
truly are a work of art. It was a little alarming to think how many times
I had passed right by these same buildings and never really noticed them.
It got me thinking where else in my life I had been passing by without
paying much attention.
We can easily become entrenched in our routines where we go about our
days without giving much thought to them. Paying attention to the details
means that we not only celebrate the BIG events such as weddings, anniversaries,
birthdays and holidays. These occasions are the exclamation points in
our lives, the icing on the cake and we most certainly need them to lend
a sense of excitement and a break from routine. However, these occasions
are few and far in between. It is everyday living which our lives consist
of and where we most need to focus our attention.
Let me share an example. One of my daily rituals is to enjoy a cup of
tea in the morning. So, one of the first things I did was to buy a good
quality tea. I also bought a beautiful mug in which to drink it from.
I take the time to prepare it just the way I like it, strong, with a
little milk and honey. By making this small shift, an every day ritual
has been transformed from ordinary to extraordinary. I ve already satisfied
my sense of taste and sight and have only just begun my day.
Now paying special attention to a morning cup of tea may seem inconsequential
and insignificant to one s life, and I am not saying my life is now always
one big celebration, but I can tell you ever since I started paying attention
to the little details in my everyday routines, it has become just a bit
more interesting and much less mundane. Most importantly, I am sending
a message to myself that I am worth the extra time, care and attention.
It is practicing self-care and love at its best. The funny thing is,
once you start treating yourself good, you ll find others will treat
you good too.
Where in life have you just been passing by ?
SUGGESTIONS FOR LIVING A JOYFUL LIFE:
Think of ways you can enhance your senses. Use your favorite body gel
and lotion for your daily bathing ritual. Use beautiful dinnerware and
glassware for your every day meals, not just for special occasions. Serve
meals pleasing to the eyes. We feast with our eyes first so it is no
surprise chefs go to great lengths to present food attractively. Indulge
in good quality coffee, teas, and chocolate. Invest in 100% Egyptian
cotton sheets and towels. They are a bit more expensive but they last
forever and feel really good on the skin. Buy yourself flowers and place
them in your home or office. Use a screen saver featuring beautiful scenes
of nature or pictures of your loved ones. Visit a museum or card shop
and collect postcards you love. You can use them as book marks, frame
them or place them around your cubicle or office for moments of inspiration.
SUGGESTED READING:
LIVING A BEAUTIFUL LIFE, Alexandra Stoddard
QUOTE FOR THE MONTH:
THE REAL VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY CONSISTS NOT IN SEEKING NEW LANDSCAPES, BUT IN HAVING
NEW EYES. Marcel Proust
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