Enjoying the Small Pleasures of Life {Weekend Wonders}
In a fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and forget to enjoy the small pleasures in life. But taking a step back to appreciate the little things can make a big difference in your day-to-day happiness. Here are a few simple joys that are sure to put a smile on my face this week.
Moving my Body
I have felt like, for lack of a better word, sh## lately. There was a time where when I made a point to get up and move every day. And when I went to California this past summer, I did move my body. I was hitting 10,000 steps before 3 pm some days. But since I have gotten back to NC, I have just sat and sat and sat some more. And you know, with sitting comes eating, and then before you know it, you feel and look like crap. It was because of another thing on my list this week that I got back out and moved my body. And I actually explored something that had been on my list for a while. But more on those two things later. But today, I am proud to say after battling a sinus infection and migraines for the last few weeks, I got out and moved my body. I walked a mile, y’all, and I LOVED LOVED IT!!!!
A Good Book- Hidden Manna by Sarah Geringer
Y’all, I was on the launch team for Hidden Manna, and I started noticing things. But it wasn’t until yesterday when Sarah did a guest devotion for Proverbs 31 Ministries did it hit me that I needed to get back to what I enjoyed doing. Being in nature because God shows up in so many ways when I did. He showed up even when I wasn’t expecting it. For instance, one morning, we ( my walking buddy Donna and I) crossed paths with a mama possum with all her babies clinging to her back. In North Carolina, possums are nocturnal (meaning they are mostly seen at night), so to see this wonderful sight in the morning hours was truly God-sent.
So reading that devotion spurred me to get back and to get moving my body. And if you read this part, you know I did just that. I walked a mile and it felt so good. I explored and while I was at it, I collected some colorful leaves to add to my gratitude journal. I am a very visual person.
Fall Leaves
Don’t you just love the many colors of fall? I am in awe of how much nature shows off during this season. Sure some of the leaves are brown and ordinary, but then there are so many that have vibrant hues. As I mentioned above, I grabbed a few to put in my gratitude journal to remind me of the wonderful day spent being in nature.
Dandelions
There is something about a dandelion that changes me. Suddenly I am a little girl with pigtails sitting in the backyard, blowing on one and making a wish. Who knows what I wished for? But there is something about having a childlike quality, if only for a moment, that allows you to step outside of yourself and just enjoy being in the moment.
Plus, I recall so many times as a young mom that my girls would bring these beautiful yellow flowers to me after an afternoon spent playing in the yard. I can still see their little faces and hear their little voices as they hold out their hands and say, “Mommy, I picked these for you.”
Exploring the Goldsborough Bridge Battlefield
This had been on my list for a few years now. I looked it up when I walked a lot. I was always looking for new trails. But I never went or even really knew where it was until one day. One day, I was showing my daughter the back way to the fair, and I saw a split rail fence, and I was like, what is that? Then I realized that it was the historic site of the Battle of the Goldsborough Bridge.
This battle was fought during the civil war. A war that tore our country apart because it is not right for people to own other people.
Exploring the battlefield was a quick and easy walk. We were able to now only walk to the bridge on the marked trail but also grab some fresh air and move our bodies. I am so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone to explore there today.
And lastly,
Finally, Getting Back to Podcasting
Yep, you heard that right. I have finally gotten back to interviewing people on the podcast. I have quite a few new episodes up. So go by and give them a listen.
Here is a list of the newest episode
- Episode 280: Dealing with Frustration
- Episode 281: Chatting about Patience in the Waiting
- Episode 282: When You Feel Outside of the Circle
- Episode 283: Chatting about the Mess that is Your Message
- Episode 284: Chatting about Practical Happiness with Pamela Gail Johnson
I will admit after not chatting with strangers for so long, I had a lot of anxiety over starting back. But this time, I am finding joy in it because I am only doing the interviews one day a week, and I am recording them all. No more going live – who needs that pressure? It is no coincidence that one of my first episodes was an interview about practical happiness.
In conclusion, it can be said that enjoying the small pleasures in life is what makes life worth living. These small moments are what we remember and cherish the most. They are the things that make us smile and remind us that life is good. So, next time you have a chance to enjoy a small pleasure, take it! It might just make your day.
