It's Friday morning of a long weekend. Little man woke at 5:30am asking me to read to him. By 6:30am he was asleep again. As I sit, waiting for him to wake, I am lost in the quiet and stillness of this morning. It was grey and looked like it might rain, but the sun is peeking out now, the birds have been active and happy at the backyard feeders, and I have moved slowly, maybe too slowly, through the morning.
Things on the homestead are moving slowly too. The gardens are a little behind, the trees seem to be taking forever to fully bloom, and it feels like the daffodils, tulips and other spring flowers are hanging out longer than ever. I am not complaining about the extra time with those beautiful flowers, just noticing that I get to enjoy them longer than usual. The slowness of it all suits me just fine, I like the slow motion version of nature, watching it unfurl before my eyes, bit by bit, leaf by leaf. It's a magical dance. The one thing that hasn't slowed down is a certain little man who insists on growing up a little more each day.
It goes without saying, that yes, children grow up, it's what they do. I can't stop it, I can't slow it down, it happens and I have absolutely not control over it. What I do have control over each day is what I choose to focus on. I have this quote sitting on the sill of my kitchen window:
"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." ~ Annie Dillard
It's sits in a frame, and at least three times a day when I do dishes, I read it. It usually gets read more than that, but at least three times a day, without fail. And it is the perfect and constant reminder that what I choose to focus on, what I choose to do, how I choose to live each day is how I will spend my life.
So, no, I can't slow down how fast my little man is growing. I can't slow down the days, the moments, the minutes to soak them up more fully. What I can do is make a conscious decision to live my days slowly, to be present and mindful, to make choices that allow space to witness the everyday, ordinary moments that make up life, my life. Because, yes, that quote has so much truth behind it. How I spend each day, is how I spend my life.
How are you spending your days, friends?
Beautiful thoughts! It is so nice to slow down and notice things. I can't believe how grown up Reece looks already! Time flies! Enjoy your days! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, sweet friend. Time certainly is flying, trying to soak it up. xo
DeleteI think that the key of a successful life it's indeed the ability to slow down, observe and be present in the now, appreciating any little thing.
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend :) xoxo
Yes, I totally agree. xo
DeleteOh, I love that quote. Very good reminder. Glad to hear from you! Enjoy your slow!
ReplyDeleteI kinda knew you would :) Hope all is well in your world.
DeleteI can tell you each year goes faster and faster and faster. I find that my days start and then it's dinner time?? how did that happen? Our son is visiting this weekend and I've enjoyed being with him. I am wishing and hoping that my daughter and son in law find jobs that are on the East Coast. My husband will be returning to being a professor after two semesters of being a temporary dean (lots! of! work! I didn't like it). So now maybe normal will return?
ReplyDeleteI hope normal returns for you Karen, but most of all I hope your daughter and son in law find jobs on the east coast...I know just how much that would mean to you. Fingers crossed.
Deletethat's a beautiful reminder ... thank you.
ReplyDeleteAlso...things are moving slow here...a lot of late freezes and I don't believe we will have any crabapple blossoms or cherry tree blossoms this year. But...the lettuce is coming up so it's like you said...what I focus on... :)
My pleasure :) I am sorry about the late frost...not fun. We managed to get through spring without one...first time in a long time. Hope you are enjoying that lettuce by now.
DeleteOh I love that quote. I have been so very aware of our rhythm of late too. And the growing my three are doing - so much growing. Wishing you a beautiful week Kim xx
ReplyDeleteThank you Elisa. Hope all continues to be well in your world. Will pop into your space in the next few days to check in. xo
DeleteSo happy that you have close friends to help out - I can't imagine being responsible for all of that on my own! You are an inspiration to me friend
ReplyDeleteThank you sweet friend. xo
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