Changing My Ways

Last week went by in a blur.  In my effort to simplify my life, I concentrated on clearing out some clutter in my kitchen and a closet.  I pondered different ways to clear spaces and bring calm into my life.  I also cleared most of the dead plants and flowers from my entire backyard. I thought that each day had to be "full" of accomplishments. At the end of the week I felt my life was a little more open. I also felt like a workaholic obsessed with seeing how much I could get done in one day!  I decided I needed to change my ways in that area, so this week I cut back on accomplishments and focused on things that really mattered.  

On Monday I organized my kitchen pantry.  This took about an hour.  I felt good! Yes, those rows of perfectly aligned canned goods brought a sense of satisfaction!  However it didn't compare to happiness of having two friends bring lunch and hang out watching HGTV and talking about anything and everything all afternoon.

On Tuesday morning, I had coffee at Starbucks with three of my favorite people.  On Tuesday afternoon, I cleaned out a closet.  Cleaning out the closet didn't even begin to bring the satisfaction I felt sipping a grande white chocolate mocha latte with people I love! 

This letting go of accomplishing something all day long felt good!

Well, here it is Wednesday night. Today was a cold and rainy day. My only major accomplishments were renewing my driver's license and doing a little grocery shopping.  It wasn't much, but my contentment level is over the top.   I spent most of the day with my husband.  It was nice to have someone else drive for a change.  I read several magazines. I actually took a nap! Contentment is snuggling with a Dachshund on a rainy afternoon.  I made no-bake chocolate oatmeal cookies with my granddaughter after school. To finish the day, my husband and I watched American Idol and laughed together. Did I get a lot done today?  No, not much.  Am I stressed out over it?  No, not at all.  My family and friends I'm sure find this amazing!  

Now, I'm going to climb into bed after thanking God for the love and grace He has shown me and also for the precious moments I've discovered when I slow down and embrace them.