For years, possibly decades, I spoke with my mom at least once a day. Over time, as her dementia worsened, the phone was no longer a viable way to communicate. I miss our conversations. Our calls frequently were about the people we loved and the time spent together. She’d say, “That’s the good stuff!” She always communicated a deep sense of gratitude for her family, friends, music, art, and the preciousness of time.
As the world begins to start, pause, and restart, so much uncertainty and distress exist. What life will look like a month or year from now is impossible to know. Yet, each day we forge forth with work, family, projects, and life. We move ahead despite the considerable uncertainty. It can feel exhausting, overwhelming, or scary. In your mix of doing, are you making time to notice and embrace the “good stuff?”
What is on your “good stuff” list? Here are some of mine:
Waking up each morning
Opening my eyes after meditating
Taking the first sip of coffee from my favorite mug
Holding hands with my husband
Hearing the sound of rain hitting the window panes
Walking by the river
Hugging my daughter, especially after being apart for six months
Baking lemon blueberry muffins
Picking herbs from my mini garden
Capturing images of people, places, and nature with my camera
Swimming in my friend’s pool
Hearing birds sing
Touching a very soft blanket
Sitting quietly
Biting into a big, juicy piece of watermelon
Writing with my favorite pen
Watching the leaves rustle in the breeze
Having a conversation (phone, Zoom, or in-person) with a friend or loved one
Relaxing in the hammock
Eating a chocolate brownie Yasso pop
Seeing my client experience an “ah-ha” moment during their virtual organizing session
Writing in my journal
Watching a good movie, or even a bad one
Kayaking on any river
Discovering new tomatoes growing on my cherry tomato plant
Being still during the last ten minutes of yoga class
Discovering vibrantly colored flowers
Reading a good book
Learning something new
Getting into bed at the end of the day
“In your mix of doing, are you making time to notice and embrace the good stuff?”
Time is a gift. Some of our time will be spent navigating the daily doings of life. Included with responsibilities and commitments are also those things that make your heart sing. Or, as my mom would say, “the good stuff.” What is one thing you include on your list? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation!
