Thanks to Kat and Bonny, I’ve been following along with Michelle’s Gratitude Week. Today, she’s invited us to
Take some time today to step outside or to sit in a favorite spot in your home. Take five minutes (yes, you can carve out five) and get quiet. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, then open your eyes. What delights you, what shakes you, what makes you say oh my?
Five minutes. What struck me first when I read those words was that it wouldn’t be hard at all for me to carve out that time. In fact, those minutes might give some purpose and direction to this day that felt a little bare when I laid out my calendar on Monday. no knitting class. no toddler to care for while his parents were in the hospital caring for a newborn.
I step outside every day, and I like to think I do it with purpose and eyes wide open … so I rarely (if ever!) do it with eyes closed. The park seemed like the best place to try it. I found my favorite bench and sat down. closed my eyes. waited what seemed like five minutes (but was really just two). and opened them.
I saw golden sunshine and felt peace
and immense gratitude for where I am right now that allows me moments like this.
the time to experience them. and share them.
Happy Wednesday, my friends!
mere-et-filles 
What a lovely, lovely post, in both words and photos! I did not take time today (I have lots of excuses!) but I'm going to go spend my five minutes in the garden right now. Thank you for sharing!
Wonderful. We are lucky folk aren't we? Thanks for that!
How perfect!
ohmygoodness this is (you are) amazing! I love your willingness to try this exercise.so simple…a little shift in thinking and doing…and look at this. beautiful!
4:20 pm est.I'm on my way out the door – even tho' I was out earlier, I had a destination in mind and a time to be there…but that was then and reading your post NOW! has me movin'. Absolutely lovely Mary! Hands down!Cheers~
This is just what I need today and what I will do as soon as I get home. Thank you.
The trees are lovely!
How beautiful! Gratitude Week is just the best, it is this,it is trying new ways to see. I love your post xx
It is such a beautiful time of the year. I was fortunate enough to spend time in the woods today away from the busyness of life – just admiring all of the beautiful colors and listening to the sounds of nature. Your photos are just beautiful, Mary!
Lovely, Mary. Just lovely!
Happy Wednesday! What a difference five minutes can make. Beautiful!
In those still moments, magic can happen! Absolutely beautiful photos Mary! And, truly an excellent post. So much for thinking here – and much I could use in my life in those crazy moments!
What a lovely post and beautiful pictures. It is amazing, isn't it, what just a few moments spent in silence can do for one's outlook/attitude. I've been trying to practice this at work — especially on those days that tend to produce headaches. Sometimes I'm successful!!