This morning I practiced yoga, taught yoga and grabbed coffee from Starbucks. As I was driving into work I thought about how much peace these little everyday things bring me. Rolling out my yoga mat. Sun salutations. Leading a class through practice. Morning coffee. Then I got to my desk and read Caitlin’s post about how a random Sunday was one of her best days ever and was reminded that we all need these simple happy moments.
We live in a really overstimulated society where we tend to focus so much on being constantly entertained. We turn our attention to the next big thing in our lives…trips, parties, weddings, babies, career changes, moves…we look for something on the horizon that will bring excitement and change while we glaze over the small stuff.
I have really made an effort to get away from that pattern of thinking and acting and be more present in the right now. Giving more thanks and recognition to the small and simple things that bring me comfort on a daily basis. This is a topic that I have brought up quite a few times lately.
So…here are a few simple things that are bringing me comfort right now.
Puppy cuddles. Having her sweet face to greet me when I walk in the door and make me smile when I don’t want to. Have I mentioned that Sullie is an excellent spooner? 😉
Unrolling my yoga mat and feeling like no matter where I am practicing and who is teaching me that I am safe, at home and 100% in my own body and mind.
Picking up coffee or tea at my neighborhood Starbucks and seeing the same familiar faces working behind the counter.
Being connected on a daily basis to a community of likeminded and incredible people who openly share and contribute to thoughtful discussion.
This quote I read in W magazine. It’s pretty much fabulous.
Friends. Some of who feel like family.
Lunch dessert…especially when it’s carrot cake from French Broad Chocolate Lounge. I will always be grateful for lunch dessert…which I eat more days than not! 🙂
I am also comforted by the escape that Pinterest provides, cupcakes, walking into the gym wearing Reindeer antlers and caroling to my front desk manager and not being called crazy, red wine, cooking, talking to my grandmother on the phone, afternoon tea, evening TV on the couch, my Google Reader, music, Whole Foods (seriously, walking around that store is therapy), teaching, painted nails, magazines, candles, peanut butter, blankets…I could go on and on.
What simple stuff is making you feel good right now?
Five minutes after I hit publish on my post, I saw this post from Katie at She Rocks Fitness about the same topic. Guess we’re all needing it right now!
Hanging out on the weekends with my husband and our hysterical toy schnauzer, Toby. And I totally agree with you – shopping at Whole Foods is therapy.
it’s seriously such a happy place. i love to walk around and look at everything and of course…sample cheese!
Sweaty sun salutes, hot mint peppermint tea, hershey kisses, heart warming texts, and couch cuddles
And thanks for this, Jen
you’re welcome. and sweaty sun salutations are the best.
Cuddling with my sweet pup. My other dog recently died following some tough post-emergency surgery complications. I miss him terribly. I’m newly very aware of time, and I’m so grateful to have sweet Georgie to love on at the end of the day. A wagging tail and happy face are so nice to come home to. (I promise I’m not a crazy dog lady – dogs are just so much less complicated than people.)
oh sara – i am so sorry to hear about your dog. you don’t sound like a crazy dog lady. i am the same exact way.
Love this post!
Haha I love that my cats comment made it into your picture. I wasn’t being flippant, either–my cats do for me what Sullie does for you, and I don’t know what I’d do without them! Especially as my husband gets ready to deploy to Afghanistan for 9 months. It means SO much to come home to sweet pets running to greet me instead of to emptiness.
Other things that are making me feel good: pumpkin oatmeal, World Market, glitter nail polish, Christmas tea, and as always, yoga.
haha – i didn’t think anything of your cats comment. trust me, i know what a comfort pets are.
world market, good one!
green smoothies, starbucks, yoga (teaching & taking), crossfit, spending time with my little brother, my boyfriend and your blog!
So true Jen. I actually have gotten into the practice of at least 3 times a week, waking up and writing down 3 things I’m grateful for…and if I’m having a bad day, I can look back on that list and remain in a more positive state. There are so many little things I appreciate and others don’t have that pleasure. Great post!
lisa – i LOVE that practice.
Love it all. I’m currently back into full on ‘Victorian Era’ obsession mode and the one thing that draws me to it the most is their ability to live in the moment. Yes, part of it was due to unstable medical conditions which lead many of them to not have a long future but they also focused so much more on friends and family, writing letter, paying visits….connecting. That’s what life is.
i so need to get back in the habit of handwritten notes. they are so much more meaningful.
your attitude and writing warms up my heart. thank you!
namaste, Jenn.
thank you joanna. xo
Coffee in the morning. Gym time. Wearing new gym
Clothes. Hugging my kids. Watching Greys Anatomy on my Kindle. Trying new recipes. Reading your blog;) all the small things that make my day
My almond milk cappuccino, red wine, running, spinning and most of all, sitting at the counter at the end of the day with my husband in the kitchen making dinner (I’m a lucky girl!) and catching up on the day. I just need to step back, breathe and realize how many wonderful things touch my life everyday.
linda – that is such a great visual of you and your husband. sounds amazing.
I love this topic and it is really something I try to remember everyday. I try to take time each day to really appreciate the smallest of things that are part of my routine that I take for granted. Even sitting in traffic on the way to work, getting to listen to my favorite songs and just being along for the commute is something I now appreciate because I look at it as a privilege, rather than an annoyance. It’s crazy how a little shift in mindset and completely change your day/life!
that’s awesome hayley that you’ve been able to cultivate that mindset about your commute.
Walking through the grocery store!!! Such fantastic therapy (:
Your posts are so deep, wise, & thought provoking these days. I am LOVING them. Just thought I’d let you know:) xoxo
I heart this post. It’s just what I needed to read.
Taking the dog for a walk in the morning when the neighborhood is quiet. Hot showers. No red lights on the way to work. Pandora. Earth Fare. Eating lunch with friends. Eating dinner with my parents. Food in general (it’s awesome). Yoga. Comfy foam pillows. Watching Elf.
YES FOOD. and how could i forget hot showers? the best!
Working out with my son at least 3 times a week and being able to go home and relax with my family.
After a VERY long day, I just read your post and want to reach through the computer screen and give you a big hug, sip on a simple cup of coffee, and split a delicious piece of cake with you! It truly is the simple things that matter most and LOVE how our golden retrievers and yoga both are top on the list. High-Fives and enjoy your night! XOXO
Hello…I took a hiatus from reading your blog and am noticing no mention of brandon…are you still married? Sorry to pry but love getting back into your blog and wondering!!&ree
Thank you for this. I needed it!
This evening I walked with my two little boys to the bay by our house. We watched a great blue heron unfold himself from a rock and fly off with the sure beat of his wings. We listened to frogs and stood under trees dripping with rain. Morning yoga in my living room at 5:30, the Christmas lights on. My new faux fur blanket:) Soy lattes, extra hot.
I love this! I absolutely love how you write too. Honestly, whenever I read your blog you are pretty much saying everything that I wish I could say. I have definitely had a few come to reality moments over the past few days and it’s made me stop, breathe, look around, and appreciate the little things in life 🙂
I also appreciate the fact that when I walk in the house my two dogs can bring a smile to my face even on the worst days. They are so happy and have so much love to give and I think everyone can learn a lot from such a selfless animal! It really is the simple things! 🙂
I definitely agree that the simple things are often the best. Tonight I enjoyed a night in with Christmas music and cocoa. Perfection.