It seems like every month that goes by I am left thinking, “Where did the time go??” I look back and sometimes struggle to remember my daily interactions and accomplishments. Instead I am left with this blur of time in my life’s rear view mirror. I have written a lot about mindfulness on Citrus & Sun, but a simple yet profound takeaway from a book that I recently read has changed my entire practice of mindfulness in my daily life.
As winter arrives and the snow falls, the nature around us takes on a new look. While I personally prefer the green leaves, the bright flowers, and the fresh smells of spring and summer, a goal of mine has been to become more of an observer throughout these cold months in order to discover the beauty and wonder that is winter.
Capturing moments seems to be the way of life these days. We are so lucky to live in a time where there are so many different options for documenting our days and recording snapshots of our experiences. We are able to have memories that live on through our photographs, our videos, and our words.
Happy Holidays, my friends!! Is it just me or is your calendar already filling up for the season?! Traveling, shopping, holiday parties, visiting with family, cooking — November and December can be a total whirlwind. I consider it a FUN whirlwind, but still a whirlwind that can make time pass by so quickly!
How many times have you said, “I need a vacation from my vacation?” Recently Chuck and I traveled to Orlando, Florida to have the Disney World/Universal Studios experience. I definitely came back feeling like I needed another vacation! Our four days away from reality consisted of nonstop running around after a busy work week and not much sleep!
The morning is an important part of the day. How we begin those first few minutes after we awaken can set the tone for the hours to follow. Many of us hit the ground running at full speed. From the moment we drift back to reality and our eyes flutter open, we are bombarded with thoughts and demands. While the thought of a busy day can make mornings overwhelming, setting an intention is one addition to our AM routine that could bring good vibes all day long!
I have always loved drinking tea, but rarely do I sit down to actually enjoy it, especially throughout the week when its sole purpose is to keep my eyes open. It hasn’t been until recently that I have considered how I can use tea to create a moment in my day that is mindful and purposeful. Tea has the power to make you feel calm, energized, awake, relaxed, and even rejuvenated! I’m so excited to share with you my newly discovered mindful approach to tea drinking with the help of some very special people!!
In order to put our listening skills into action, we must be present. Eliminate distractions. Look the other person in the eye. Clear our minds and focus on what is being said. Easier said than done, right? Listening can sometimes be an abstract idea. How can we stay focused in this fast-paced world? How do we manage our emotions and our ideas when they differ from another person’s thoughts? The language of listening comes down to 3 essentials: our brain, our heart, and our courage.
Home can have many doors. It can be a physical structure, a place, or a feeling in your heart. The word “home” can mean something different to everyone. I do believe in the phrase “home is where the heart is,” but I also believe that our heart can be found in many different places and parts of our everyday lives.
The holidays are in full swing and December days seem to come and go with every blink! This time of year always seems to go by so quickly. All of a sudden it is January 1st and I’m left with a vacation hangover and Christmas decorations covering my home that I’m not ready to take down!
Our actual birthdays are milestones; book ends to celebrate the end of one year of life and the beginning of another. But after our birthday comes the first unbirthday of our new year — 364 of them to be exact! Each unbrithday makes up the journey of our lives and is proof that we are growing and changing. Though it might not feel like it on your birthday, you are a different version of yourself than you were a year ago.
What do you feel lucky to have in your life? Or maybe you don’t feel so lucky? Maybe “luck” is a symbol to you — a pot of gold, the color green, or a leprechaun. Whatever the word luck means to you, I am here to tell you that you are in fact lucky in ways that you might never have considered!