The Gift
At the beach last month, I marveled at the gifts that Mother Nature shared with us daily. The sun came up and the sun went down-beautiful. The tide came in and the tide went out-sometimes very quickly. My cup was full and then it was empty-delicious.
Because of the leisurely pace that vacation offers, it was easier to slow down and enjoy these moments. The presents I received daily reminded me of the constant craving I have for a slower pace, so I can truly be in the moment and enjoy the gift of presence.
It is in the moment, where Eckhart Tolle points us, to the Power of Now. In this powerful book, Tolle shares the benefits of shifting your consciousness, away from the egoic mind, the thinking mind, to the present moment – what he refers to as now. This is a quest that so many of us are on, yearning for peace of mind and fulfillment.
When I returned home from vacation, it only took about a week for me to notice how hurriedmy pace had become causing me to lose the gift of the moment. I eased my foot off of the proverbial gas pedal that was propelling me forward and reconnected to the souvenirs I brought home from the beach.
- The sun will always rise and always set.
This gives me approximately 8 hours to accomplish what I want to accomplish in a day. When I put my attention on what’s most important and do the best I can, I’ll complete what I can. Whatever is not complete, will get done tomorrow. My “to-do” list is never complete. When I remember that, I can enjoy the task at hand, connect with the people I am spending time with and truly enjoy the moment.
- The tide comes in and goes out.
There are going to be days that I’m feeling good and operating at my best. There will also be days that my energy is lower and I will not be as energized, focused or excited about the items on my list. The gift here is to notice this energetic shift and to honor how you are feeling. The bonus gift to give yourself on days like this is to not beat yourself up for having a lower energy day. Your tide is out and it will come back in. Be gentle on yourself and get done what you can get done.
- My glass if full and then empty.
The best way for me to refill my glass, is to spend at least thirty minutes a day, four times a week, moving my body. Whether that is taking a spin class at the Y, swimming in the pool or walking Abbey and Eli( they love when I choose them), it helps me to fill up my cup with optimism and reduce the stress in my life.
These gifts are ingredients that you can weave into your recipe to create a more delicious life. You do not have to wait until you are on vacation to take advantage of these delightful presents. You can open them each and every day without spending time wrapping them.
To learn more about these gifts and how to raise your Joy Factor, click here to receive two free chapters from The Joy Factor Recipe Book – A Common Sense Approach to a Delicious Life.
Wendy is a joyful, vibrant human being who sees possibilities everywhere she goes. Whether she is working with a coaching client, creating a piece of art or riding her bicycle 100 miles in one day, the joy of possibility is one of her favorite perspectives. Alot of her joy comes from spending time with her husband Matt and their 2 four-legged kids, Abbey Road and Eli. It also comes from listening to good music, spending time in nature, eating good food and being with friends and family. When all of that happens together, she is in joyful bliss.
