Over Memorial Weekend, I got to spend time with my family and friends enjoying our time together. Sunday came, and it was one of the most beautiful day’s we’ve had all year. My husband and I Barbecued and sat out on the deck, enjoying the glorious day and each other. There was a lovely scent of lilacs and honeysuckle in the air as we felt summer peeking around the corner.
After dinner, we had decided to have a bonfire and set up our lawn chairs to relax. As the heavenly scent of flower and cleansing smoke swept through breeze at dusk, I thought to myself. “If love had a scent, it would smell like lilacs and bonfires.” Both these aromas bring peace and calming to my soul, just like love does.
This made me think of other things that make me feel contentment. Then I asked myself how often do I truly experience this serenity? Peace is tricky, it feels good and believe it or not feeling happy is scary at times. Lately, I’ve noticed my tendency to stop myself from fulling enjoying the good days when I should be savoring every minute I possibly can. So I have started to make small changes to help me do so.
After all, the smell of lilacs and bonfires only comes by naturally for a short amount of time. Lilacs only bloom for a few weeks before the blooms and scent fade. We must enjoy it when we have it, or it passes unappreciated. This is true with many things in life like newborn cries that turn to sweet little voices, and before you know it, graduation comes.
Some of these precious moments like falling in love, newlywed bliss, or summer in Minnesota seem to only last for a short while. The times when we fall in love with life and our emotions are blissful are what we live for! I’ve been doing my best to stop myself and contemplate my blessing when I feel a complaint coming on.
I’ve started a gratitude an experiment just out of curiosity. Every morning I open my eyes. I remind myself to say a prayer of “Thank you for this day.” Then before my grumpy morning thoughts start and I get out of bed, I repeat the simple mantra of “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
Doing so has helped me enjoy even the plainest of days when life is not full of fun bonfires, and lilacs. When I say. “Thank for the blessing of this home to clean.” Or “Thank you for this day, and these clients that allow me to do what I love and recieve what I need!” My attitude changes to gratitude, and I feel much more content about starting the week again on Monday.
Summer weekends seem to be short bursts full of life, love, and excitement. They help bring the contentment of these experiences into the rest of the week effectively changing my tune. Choosing to carry the memories of the good times into today brings me peace. Catching myself before I complain and then redirecting my thoughts to my blessings has changed not only my attitude but also my energy. I get to be happy today!
Today I get to create my present, I get to choose to have another incredible work week. When I sneak outside and catch the scent of lilacs, my brain will remember, and my body will react with contentment from the memories of thoroughly enjoying and appreciating the momentary blessings of my life. Believe it or not, I can choose to train my brain to see the goodness in all of my days. Even on a Monday!
How do you foster contentment in your life?! I’d love to hear your tips and tricks that help you look forward to a new week!
Wishing you an abundance of peace, love, and flowers,
Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister
Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAdventureSisters
Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister
Photo Credit ~ Stacy Crep!
Emy Minzel 