I was just reading a friend's blog about The Simple Things. You know, playing with your children, reading them stories, spending time with your friends and family, and just hanging out with your partner.
The Simple Things have taken on a new meaning because, quite simply, the last few weeks have been pretty awful. In three weeks we have lost a very dear friend, a grandmother, three friends have been diagnosed with cancer, and a friend of ours lost his mum in a horrific car accident.
If I've learnt anything it's this: life can be gone in the blink of an eye, so enjoy The Simple Things.
I read a few years back that life is 5% joys, 5% sadness and 90% maintenance. And the more I ponder on that thought, the more I think it's pretty much 100% true. That means when cleaning, preparing for meals, cleaning the house and putting on your makeup - make it fun, make it enjoyable, and remember every moment.
Now I know that sounds a little bit mad, but if life is 90% maintenance, there is lots of time that could be wasted if you're not making the most of it.
For example, instead of running the bath every night, I've been showering more often with my baby boy. Is it better? You bet! I get to feel his silky skin against mine, hold him close, see his expressive face and watch the excitement as he gets water on his rosy cheeks. I get a chance to listen to his chatter, hear what excites him and laugh with his squeals of joy. All the with double bonus of getting clean.
Today, when I was hanging out the washing, my son was fascinated by the dragonfly sitting on a wet pair of jeans. Then he got down on his stomach across the garden path and watched the ants trailing back and forth. So I stopped and watched his fascination with a millipede, a slater, a ladybird. The Simple Things are pure heaven.
Life is too short to be busy working, cleaning and maintaining without pondering something greater or including something worthwhile in the monotony. And I certainly hope that I don't need another death or diagnosis to remember The Simple Things.
Enjoying the small stuff: taking in the views at Port Douglas; Llevella (who was diagnosed with breast cancer this week) with Xavier and Madison; Art (who lost his mum in a car accident) reading to Charlie and Madison after taking their bath together.
I love the simple things. I long for simplicity - and the time in the day to really, properly enjoy those simple times without interruption.
ReplyDeleteTheir little lives change so fast...we need to watch and appreciate every moment :-)
xxxCate
Lovely post - what a terrible time that was for you, and yet you managed to find joy in the simple things. They are what makes the world go round, no doubt. If only more of us were content with simply being.
ReplyDeleteThanks for Rewinding at the Fibro today! :-)
This is so true. Especially after the intensity of grief from the last weeks.
ReplyDeleteI hope your friend is doing ok .
What I learned was to take nothing for granted when my husband was diagnosed with a malignant cancer in 2010.
To enjoy the sunsets and awe at rainbows and mud puddles.
It's still a huge emotional focus in our[my] life and I try as much as I can to remind him about enjoying the simple things & not working so hard.