Simple Moments
This morning as we readied ourselves for church, we listened to music as is our usual routine. My 6 year old began belting out the words to a song and I joined him. I lifted him up to the counter to comb his hair and he wrapped his little arms around my neck. Though we were running a bit behind, I picked him up and we danced and sang around the bathroom, simply enjoying each other's presence. I tried to remember when I had last ignored the clock to simply bask in such a precious moment. As the song ended and we returned to getting ready for our day, I started thinking of all the simple pleasures I haven't paid as much attention to lately.
Driving with the windows down as the sunlight warms my skin and the wind whips through my hair. Watching birds build a nest. Calling my Gram just to say hi. Watching my son's expressive face as he tells a story. Pointing out shapes in the clouds. Telling korny jokes with my son and rolling with laughter as my husband smiles and rolls his eyes. Closing my eyes and letting the notes of instrumental music take my imagination on a magical journey. Catch snowflakes on my tongue. Dance in the rain. Splash in a puddle.
As writers we can get so caught up in writing our story, promoting ourselves, or networking that we forget to simply stop and cherish the moments that made us want to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and write.
How long has it been since you sat, snuggled in a warm blanket, and watched snowflakes float lazily through the air to make piles on the ground or stood at the window and listened to the drum of rain drops hitting the grass? How long since you sat on the porch and listened to the rustle of leaves as a gentle breeze blows through or gloried in the innocent laughter of a child?
If you're like me, maybe you've let your busy life distract you from what's important. I challenge you to take a moment and do something simple. You never know when it'll inspire you to the next great story, help you get over writer's block, remind you of the power of God, or simply help you remember to enjoy the small things that make life so precious.
Happy writing and happy living!
Driving with the windows down as the sunlight warms my skin and the wind whips through my hair. Watching birds build a nest. Calling my Gram just to say hi. Watching my son's expressive face as he tells a story. Pointing out shapes in the clouds. Telling korny jokes with my son and rolling with laughter as my husband smiles and rolls his eyes. Closing my eyes and letting the notes of instrumental music take my imagination on a magical journey. Catch snowflakes on my tongue. Dance in the rain. Splash in a puddle.
As writers we can get so caught up in writing our story, promoting ourselves, or networking that we forget to simply stop and cherish the moments that made us want to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and write.
All writers should have a spot like this to just sit, look, and listen.
How long has it been since you sat, snuggled in a warm blanket, and watched snowflakes float lazily through the air to make piles on the ground or stood at the window and listened to the drum of rain drops hitting the grass? How long since you sat on the porch and listened to the rustle of leaves as a gentle breeze blows through or gloried in the innocent laughter of a child?
If you're like me, maybe you've let your busy life distract you from what's important. I challenge you to take a moment and do something simple. You never know when it'll inspire you to the next great story, help you get over writer's block, remind you of the power of God, or simply help you remember to enjoy the small things that make life so precious.
Happy writing and happy living!
I hope you enjoy this. It's one of my favorite things to do in the spring and autumn. What do you hear?
I very nice piece. We need as many reminders as possible to bring us back to the "real world" and away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Thanks for this. I think I'll use your post as my inspiration for my "Celebrate the Small Things" post on Friday.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite sounds are waves against rocks or the beach. I do have that recording from my last real vacation in Mexico. I used to sit back and listen to it to remember that wonderful connection I had with God when I was there and try and keep that connection going. Glad you took notice of these special moments and shared them.
Beautiful post, Sabrina. Thanks. :)
ReplyDeleteCatching snowflakes on my tongue: check. :)
ReplyDeleteThis really is important, and not just for writers. Though I guess it's possible that writers tend to have less of the live-in-the moment personality. I find certain types of people have a way of helping me open my eyes.
What a sweet moment you shared with your son! And I so get this--It's so easy to get caught up with my To Do list that I find myself not playing with my kids or paying as much attention to them as I should. It's so important to keep things in balance, to enjoy the small special moments that come along and are gone so quickly!
ReplyDeleteThat writing spot looks tranquil and therapeutic...
ReplyDelete