Last night, I stopped to smell the lilacs.
My daughter looked around like a jumpy doe, wondering who else besides the lilac owner might spot us. (He was sitting outside with a drink, also savoring life I’d like to think.)
“Come on Melissa, what are you doing? Those aren’t our lilacs.”
I motioned her closer.
“You have to smell these, they’re amazing,” I said.
She walked on and pretended not to know me.
I wondered: Since when am I raising a child that’s embarrassed to stop and smell the lilacs?
Karate-chopping lilacs – that I could see. But smells? Hmm.
Need some simple ideas to help savor life? For starters:
Put a small sign by your lilacs that reads: Free smells. Then email me a photo so I can feel happy about it.
Leave enough time for a daily catnap. 10 or 15 minutes – it doesn’t have to be hours.
Prepare a hearty snack. Eat slowly, pondering each taste and texture. Try almonds and blueberries. Dry crackers, sharp cheddar and apple slices. Pita, hummus and grapes.
Spread an old blanket outside and rest. The sun will warm your skin, a breeze will cool you down again. Birds will sing, the world comes back in focus.
Walk in the rain. With or without an umbrella.
Watch a storm roll in like a movie premiere. Brace as the edge reaches you, leading with a gust and raindrops.
Move your body. Take a walk, ride bike, stretch into a 10 minute yoga routine.
Do the same old routine in a new way. Write from the rooftop. Eat dinner on the floor in the living room. Enjoy a morning dose of caffiene using black tea instead of coffee.
Bake cookies and deliver a plate to a friend.
Write a blog post while doing something from this list.
Turn on Pandora and let music inspire. Don’t force productivity today. Instead, hear the song.
Stop to smell.
See.
Hear.
Taste.
Touch this simple, beautiful life.
If my writing helps or inspires you, please share it with other people. This is the number one way you can support my writing.
xoxo Melissa
SEE ALSO:
Easy Ways To Stop Being So Busy
Put A Piece Of Life In Your Pocket
Photo by plousia
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I like the part about baking cookies and delivering a plate to a friend. I like your blog, but want to know you put actions to your own words.
haha! Ok Paul, I’ll bake you some cookies.
I hope more and more people blog about/while they are stopping to enjoy life in these simple ways! There will be some great posts on the way.
I’m definitely going to follow my own advice and try some of these while writing. Though maybe not the walking in the rain one …
Some times you just have to stop and smell the lilacs! I love what you’re teaching your daughter. You’re teaching her to appreciate the little things in life and not worry about what others are thinking. I imagine that although she was embarrassed, this was a great life lesson for her to learn.
Kuddos to you!!! Thanks for sharing!!
Hi Jarrod – I’m happy to meet you and thanks for the encouragement. Cheers to optimism!
I wish my lilac bushes weren’t almost in my backyard. If they were closer to the street I would definately put up a sign.
I might put out a sign at the end of the driveway soon, above a wheelbarrow full of plants that says “FREE HOSTA!” Let me know if you’re interested!!
Can you put up a sign anyways and send me a photo? Pretty please?? How about a mosaic sign!
We might be interested in hosta. When are you splitting them?
When Lynn and I walk with Lily, we always sneak into peoples yard to smell the Magnolias when they are in bloom.
Hi Matt – I’m not sure I know what magnolias smell like … but I have a feeling I will after this summer.
Much love!
Hi Melissa, great post! The more we can focus on the small things in life, the more life brightens up. Your post reminded me of that. Thank you.
P.S. I wish I could take 10 or 15 minute naps, but it’s like impossible for me. I’ll keep trying though.
Yes, keep trying, sometimes a little rest is all you need to feel fresh. Your comment brightened my day – so thank you!
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