“The Lord preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me.” Psalms 166:6 NKJV
Recently, I celebrated my 55th birthday and now that I am officially a senior citizen, I often think about the things that truly make me happy. I have experienced a great career, attained many achievements, and acquired many material possessions, but it is the simplicity of life that has brought me the most joy. I want to share a few of those simple things with you.
- A simple thing is laughing and talking with my family as we gather around the kitchen table to celebrate a holiday or one of our birthdays.
- A simple thing is being “Mimi” to my grandchildren. It is the chatter of my grandson while we walk to the pond to see the ducks. It is the excitement of my granddaughter when she assists me in planting flowers in the pots on my patio. It is taking them both to the playground watching as they make new friends. It is watching them embark upon new experiences such as soccer and flag football. It is walking with them to my mailbox and allowing them to place a letter in the outgoing mail slot. It is joining them in playing with water balloons. It is instructing them on how to bake cupcakes and decorate them with chocolate icing and sprinkles.
- A simple thing is sitting on my patio listening to the Gladys Knight or Kenny G station on Pandora while watching the squirrels playfully scurry up and down tree trunks in the backyard.
- A simple thing is taking a relaxing bath with my favorite Aromatherapy bubble bath.
- A simple things is walking in my neighborhood enjoying a new Audiobook and waving hello to my neighbors.
- A simple thing is enjoying Alicia Keys and Deepak Chopra’s new 21-day meditation experience.
- A simple thing is talking and laughing with girlfriends over dinner or on the phone oftentimes comparing ailments–sounding like our parents.
- A simple thing is enjoying fellowship and bible study discussion with my “Pearls.”
- A simple thing is sipping on a hot cup of Yogi Chai tea while wrapped in my favorite throw watching a movie.
- A simple thing is infusing my home with one of my favorite scented candles.
- A simple thing is fresh flowers sitting on my countertop.
Huffington Post Contributor, Margalit Ward, offers the following suggestions on how to create a simpler life:
- Prioritize. Determine what is most important to you; this will give you a broader view of how you spend your time.
- Re-prioritize every week. What you can accomplish each week depends upon what is going on in your life; therefore, you will need to prioritize on a weekly basis.
- Let go. Evaluate your commitments to see what you can let go of.
- Be realistic. Setting your expectations based on what is realistic to accomplish each day can help remove some of the stress you put on yourself.
- Enjoy the moment. Focusing only on what is in front you right now can assist you in feeling more relaxed and at peace.
Oftentimes, we are so focused on our careers, achievements and acquiring material possessions that we lose sight of the simple pleasures in life that bring us the most peace and joy. Dolly Parton once stated, “Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” My grandchildren may never remember the toys, games or articles of clothing that I purchased for them; however, I am hopeful they will remember the quality moments we have shared. It is the simple things that are priceless.
I would love to hear what your simple things are; please leave a comment.
If you are interested in a free 30-min coaching session, book an appointment at calendly.com/new-wine-consulting.
I enjoy the simple things like:
-Reading the Bible and especially receiving that moment of revelation; -Having conversations with my son, niece and nephews;
-Facetime with my sisters and friends during the week; and
-Tend and watch my garden grow and the excited expectation of a harvest that will bring fresh meals to my table and to share with others .
Thank God for everything!!!!!!
.
I enjoy the simple things:
– Taking a long walk and admiring the trees, flowers, animals, and the clouds in the sky on a beautiful sunny day
– Being in awe at how awesome God is to make such wonderful things
– Playing with my 2 year old grandson as watching him learning new things
– Reading my favorite scriptures
– Being at the beach and just watching the water
– Having loving friends and family members
– Being Happy
“SIMPLICITY “, was my word from God over 5 years ago and I am still listening and and working toward just that. embracing caring for my mom, enjoying my 2 year old granddaughter, and losing my job of 17 years SIMPLICITY it is.
-Reading the word
– working in my back yard
-listening to my mom’s favorite gospel singer Mahalia Jackson with her daily.
-enjoying the beach as often as possible
-loving my family and besties
They are so numerous to note so I’ll just share a few of my most recent Simple Pleasures-
Enjoying the Families Newest Member My Great-Grandson-WOW, especially bath time as lays on the netting of the tub while I later him down in warm sudsy waters then watching him enjoy the warm soothing rinse waters trickling all over then hearing his lil grunts as I give him an after bath rub down in baby lotion and watching him lay there after his feeding giggling bwith fluttering eyes ‘playing with the Angels’ before a trip to LaLa land.
A few more
-The first time visit of my 15 month Grandson watching him enjoy him new ‘favorite toy’ a bubble lawn mower from yours truly, hearing call me GiGi for THE FIRST TIME & every moment well spent
-Enjoying my visit from BabyGirl Myra & The Grand Dog Izzy and all the demonstrators of love exchanged the Beautiful Card and Gift l ft in advance of Mother’s Day tucked away until the Special Day
-A Surprise Card arriving in the mail and Beautiful Flowering plant from my Dear Sweet Friend Ms Sallie B Rose and an evening spent surprise her
-Sitting outside at work 6AM listening to the birds singing their songs and hearing the sounds of the trickling outdoor fountain enjoying the view of the blooming plants all around it
-An Impromtu Breakfast with a dear co-worker and a change meeting with another favorite along with other’s
-The sounds of laughter and silly virtual and phone games with my loving Lil Granddaughter’s far away
– amazingly beautiful cards I continuously receive with the most endearing loving inspiring words
As We Know the list goes on and on…………….’zzz
This is the first time I really thought about my simple things!
-Driving across our beautiful country (alone) see historical places
– Walking and playing a golf course all over the world
– Watching a good movie or TV show
– Praying, Speaking and Listening to God’s Word 🙏🏾
– Talking to my daughter, her voice gives me peace
Thanks
I haven’t gotten there quite yet because between work and Daddy it makes it a little hard. But I know my day is coming and I promise to enjoy all the simple things.