“Not what we have, but what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance.”
~ Epicurus
Just notice one flower amid the hundreds that usually pass by in a blur.
How easy it is to fall asleep and not notice the beauty and abundance in our everyday lives! This forgetfulness is probably the only reason advertising works: we forget just how wealthy we already are, so it is easy to feel ourselves lacking.
Today, I am determined to notice and enjoy just one thing I typically take for granted.
I so often forget how very rich I am. And yes, I can say that without sarcasm, even though the freelance work is now coming in recession-sized drips and dollops instead of big scoops, and my bank account is reflecting that reality. Epicurus’ words remind me that the bank account could be fat and juicy, but I still wouldn’t feel any different about my life if I didn’t pause to recognize and appreciate what I have.
Real wealth has very little to do with material things — but everything to do with awareness and gratitude. I’m not sure why it took me so long to get that.
If you’d like to join me in my quest to wake up to just one thing, feel free to leave a note in the comments about what you discover today, or link to a blog post if you decide to write about your newly-remembered treasure. It may be that you wake up to something in your life that I — and others — need to remember, too, and when I write about my own results next week, I’ll be sure to send you some link love.
No matter what, I wish you increased and joyful awareness of all the good things in your life today.
Namasté, y’all!
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‘ I love my husband more than words can say; I care greatly for my friends, family and fellow man. I am passionate, empathic, and sympathetic, keep trusted secrets and always try my best.These things have no economic value therefore I believe they are not taken seriously. I certainly forget to list them in any description of myself (which are totally negative). But, surely they have meaning and are worth something – right? Surely I then have worth too? ‘ ~ taken from my Allotmentherapy essay
http://allotmentherapy.blogspot.com/
I still forget it though, everyday.
carrie´s last blog ..my happy-go-lucky Saturday
That is enough to make anybody grateful, Carrie. Worth has nothing to do with economics, really.
Have I ever mentioned how much I love that essay? I bet many of my readers would love it, too.
I was thinking about my best friend Julie yesterday and one Memorial Day weekend I spent with she, her husband and mutual friends at their lake house several years ago. A lovely lovely time. It was the last one I spent with her because she died of breast cancer the next February. That party still goes on every year at the same place and I am always invited, but it has never felt the same to me. Would I have enjoyed it more if I had known it was about to end? It changed the way I look at life and living.
My thought on this and since the passing of my father is to really delight in the moments I spend with friends and family and be grateful that I have them in my life. My mom is in the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s and I talk to her every day on the phone and tell her I love her. And I since my blog is about good things – I make sure I take note of the little things that give me pleasure.
Lynn´s last blog ..Tea time, taking stuff out and the flip side
Oh, Lynn, that is so sad. I’m sure that experience has forever marked you — and probably for the good, since I know at least a little about your way of living from your blog, which is perpetually inspiring and beautiful. I’m so sorry to hear that about your Mom having Alzheimer’s Disease, but I know you are going to enjoy every moment you can with her. You are so right about the joy of the little moments!
So very true, Meredith. I’m definitely one of the wealthiest souls on the planet and I’m grateful for that every single day. Love the photo! It’s like a glorious celebration of pink!
Talon´s last blog ..The Hallway (Short Story)
Glad you like the shot, Talon. I didn’t like the photo much — which allowed me greater freedom to play with it in an editing program and not feel like I was committing sacrilege.
Thank you for this gentle reminder. I’ve been sick with a joy sucking flu, and need to get re-balanced.
Lisa´s last blog ..A Hive of Activity
Aw, Lisa, joy-sucking flus are no fun at all. I hope you are feeling much better now!
This morning, I was thinking about how lucky I am that I have an almost full carton of milk that is about to expire so, if I just buy eggs, I can make Finnish pancakes because I have everything else!
I miss your blog. For some reason, I couldn’t get to it the last few days. It was very odd.
elizabeth´s last blog ..filling the creative well
Finnish pancakes sound so exotic. Are they much different than American-style pancakes, I wonder? I’ll have to look it up and see!
I do hope the issue with the blog connection is now resolved, Elizabeth. That is a little alarming to read.
I like this post of yours and its reminder to be aware. I have collected two questions, not sure anymore from where, that I try to remember to ask myself every morning before I even get our of bed. They are – What’s good about my life? and What needs to be done? Like your post today, the first question reminds me of what I’ve got and the abundance in my own life which is pretty darn full of good people, creativity, nature and lots of good used stuff that I use for art making.
Helen at Summer House´s last blog ..The Merry Month of May, The Green Man and the First Anniversary of this Blog
Thank you, Helen. I like the idea of setting the mood before one even gets out of bed! I do try to write morning pages first thing in the morning, and I’ve been thinking of adding some formal affirmation or ritual to the beginning. Perhaps I ought to try making a gratitude list instead.
Interesting pic, Meredith – yep I am with you re wealth, or lack of it. Thanks so much for your comments on my blog; you can’t get enough Spanish moss for sure.
Spanish moss rocks! Especially if, like me, you have a heritage in which it floats in the background of memory, serene and mysterious.
I often forget how blessed we truly are to have our 2 adopted daughters. The best things in life are free. Corny but true.
LL Cool Joe´s last blog ..Wardrobe Wednesday – All things shiny
Joe, your daughters are so lucky to have you as a father. I’m sure of that!
Wonderful post. I have Pat and Pat has me. On top of that we love our kids and they love us. What else is there except maybe a weed free garden. jim
Jim Groble´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday
Aw, admit it, Jim: with a weed-free garden, you’d be bored.
Beautiful way to look at life!
I often think this way too Meredith. Last night in the garden all lit up from the moon … I felt so at peace in the utter beauty of the light and shadows. To simply walk out into the the night garden is such a joy. The sounds of coyotes and owls added a thrill along with the amazing light show from distant thunderstorms… that later moved into my world. Yes, wealth in happiness and abundance is not measured in a bank account. Though having enough to pay the bills is helpful… good luck to more work coming in!
Carolflowerhillfarm´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday Wonder Tree Peony Buds to Luscious Pillows
Moonlight and thunderstorms, and the skitter up the spine that comes with the calls of predatory prowlers unseen… you’re talking my language, Carol.
Wealth indeed, for those with the senses to perceive. (Oh, and I have a very good lead on some new clients since this post was published. Yay!)
Even at my age I don’t think I have time to stop and smell the Roses. I know you said to look for the things you overlooked. Like the alarm that goes off five days a week to reminds me to go to work. Then again I don’t get to overlook that do I?
Things I seem to take for granted. My friend up in Canada. I was thinking how she is there for me when I’m down. She helps me with my spelling as I try and write my stories and poems. Some friends you can replace but she is not one of them.
So Meredith my Canada friend for being there for me, if she reads this she’ll know who she is.
Ellis Moore´s last blog ..Poem #2
Ellis, that is definitely something for which to be grateful: a good friend whose help is solid and dependable — and who is good at spelling, to boot!
And may I add, if you don’t have time to stop and smell the roses, when will you have time? I bet you have time to smell at least one flower today, even if it’s only in the grocery store checkout.
This post so resonates with what I believe too. We can be so blinded by material wealth but the truth of it is that we are already wealthy when we look at our lives through a different perspective. As I’ve been battling with asthma over the past couple of weeks, I think I would have to say that, at this point in time, I am grateful for the very air I breathe.
Serena´s last blog ..PHOTO MONDAY – Signs
Serena, you are making me realize how quickly we forget our blessings with this beautifully written comment! I had allergies that were pretty bad there for a couple of weeks in the early spring — and thought I’d never noticed the delight of a clear breath before, after the rain washed away the last of the pine pollen. But of course, here we are at the transition to summer, just a few weeks later, and I’d forgotten all about it.
Here’s hoping you’re breathing easily today!
Love the picture. Cool effect. I have so many things I’m grateful for–despite my occasional whining (see most recent blog post). Right now, I’d have to say my husband is right at the top of my list, and my wonderful friends, all of whom support and love me even when I’m in a funk.
Kathy´s last blog ..I Don’t Wanna!
Ah, but your whining, Kathy, is well-written and thought-provoking. You can ask F. any day, and he’ll assure you my form is not!
Those are the best kinds of friends.
I’m taking the time to enjoy my sweet little chicks. They cost so little $, but give me so much joy!
Jackie´s last blog ..The new coop installed
Oh, chicks! I have chicken envy, Jackie.