Saturday 13 May 2017

Simple Pleasures

Sometimes, it's the simple pleasures that sustain us ...  

 A simple pleasure in a pretty tea cup.

I think we all have those times when overwhelm threatens; when the world seems to be spinning just that little bit too fast; when one feels at odds with that world; when a problem seems so complicated; when too many thoughts impose themselves at once or the to-do list has grown so long that it's run off the end of the page. During those times in my life, I find that it's very simple pleasures that help to restore calm and put things back in perspective.

Here are some of my simplest pleasures. 

walking 
(with Sir Steve dog, on the beach, through a forest..)

reading
(preferably curled up or stretched out with a pillow under my head)

pottering in my garden
(visiting with flowers, watching the bees, planting in the soil ... )

stitching & knitting
(just concentrating on one stitch at a time)

a slowly sipped drink 
(currently a frothy hot chocolate in a pretty tea cup)

listening to music
(anything that's my favourite)

home picnics
(on the grass in my own backyard)


What about you? What would be the simple pleasures on your list?

Meg




16 comments:

  1. Oh Meg, we are so similar, give me a beach to walk on, a cup of hot herbal tea and something sweet, the Bee Gees music playing in the background and pottering in the garden floats by boat, like nothing else can. It really is the simple things in life that add up to happiness, isn't? Have a sterling Saturday.
    Fi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, yes! I do think simple things, that don't cost much or anything at all, can bring a lot of happiness. Meg:)

      Delete
  2. My simple pleasures are much like yours, gardening, reading, crocheting, scrapbooking and maybe a glass of wine at the end of a long, busy day. Enjoy your weekend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think there are many that would add wine to a list of life's simple pleasures too, Jan;) Meg

      Delete
  3. Replies
    1. :) Yes little things like these can certainly make for some lovely moments. Meg

      Delete
  4. For me lately it has been sewing. I'm madly sewing for Boomerang Bags so we can have enough for launch day next month, and although I refer to it as "madly" which suggests busy and stressed, the opposite is true for me!

    When I sew I forget about everything else, and I find myself simply focussed on the job at hand, it's great therapy! I think the rhythmic hum of the machine and bobbing up and down of the needle has something to do with it. I've always enjoyed sewing, but have never sewed a lot until now, and it has come as a surprise to me how relaxing it is, I would even go so far as to say I'm enjoying it more than gardening and that's saying something! (Possibly because it's not hot and dirty work, and the results are more instant)

    Funny what soothes our soul isn't it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A little while ago, Cheryl, my young boy said to me that when he reads a book he "forgets where he is". Losing yourself in whatever your simple pleasure is, be it reading or sewing or watching bees or any other joy, is a sure sign that it's working it's magic. Meg:)

      Delete
  5. I am with you with all those ideas Meg. Sometimes I just need to go out for a little bit. It could be a walk, bike ride, sitting in the sun.

    Being with animals is my favourite though. They keep me so grounded and remind me to breathe and that is is all ok.

    Kylie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love being with animals too, Kylie. Our dog constantly reminds me that joy is experienced in the "right now" ... that if you are rolling around on the grass, receiving a belly rub and an ear scratch, that it doesn't get better than that moment. Meg:)

      Delete
  6. When my life is overwhelming me, I seek out reading matter that will help me cope. I have some favourite authors for this like Louise Hay, Sarah Ban Breathnach and Norman Vincent Peal. Sitting by the water recharges me (that is probably and introvert thing).

    Your description of sewing and knitting sounds like it becomes a form of meditation for you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I think the repetition of little stitches into cloth or the rhythmic click of knitting needles can be meditative. Water is a restorative for me too, Sherri. I walk often by the sea and it's so soothing. Meg:)

      Delete
  7. I have recently started reading books again after stopping that when we had a traumatic event in our family years ago. I find it hard to put a good book down but can lose myself in the story. I also enjoy making sourdough lately unless I am trying out a new recipe and then it can get a bit stressful. LOL!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's lovely that you have started reading again, Chel. Lovely to discover books again. Meg:)

      Delete
  8. I did a similar post a while back on my blog, one that topped the list was: clean sheets on a beautifully made bed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, I would definitely add that to my list, Julie. I love fresh sheets that smell of sunshine! Meg:)

      Delete