The Joy of Living Slow

In Atlanta, June is the last “spring-like” month before the heat hits!

Late June and early July, right before the ‘dog days of August hits, (I never understood that phrase until I moved here!), I gravitate towards the small things that add up to the bigger, more important things in life. These things call for me to use my time consciously and wisely. I’ve learned it’s the little things that contain the essence of life. The following brings me deep peace and satisfaction, far more than checking things off my to-do list ever did:

• Hugs from my grandchildren

• Watching them play and read stories together

• Sitting in the sun

• Making a new cool drink recipe

• Taking my time reading a book. I no longer speed through trying to finish.

• Calling friends vs texting

• Sending thinking of you postcards

• painting flowerpots*

I’ve always been drawn to simplicity and slow living. The older I get, the less I feel the need to crowd my calendar/planner. Sometimes I only get 1 thing done. Whatever’s undone gets moved into the next day or week and guess what? It all always works out. TThis is the season that I spend as much time outdoors as possible, working on my new garden, taking walks, sitting under my favorite tree, or soaking up the sun. I spend more time than I ever did thinking about how I’ll break my morning fast. I make sure to have food on hand that will nourish me. When it comes to how I nourish and care for my body, I stopped hoping for the best and began doing my best. THINK SMALL! Each day do what you keep saying you’ll do when you’ve completed the big things. Psalm 90:12 reminds us, “Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should.” [The Living Bible] So, seize the day. Seize the moment. Seize the opportunities before you that God has given you. Don’t keep putting things off, you may not have as much time as you think. Take your life and time into your own hands and treat both well

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Have a beautiful week! Don't let anyone take your joy, and remember, all you need you already possess.

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I AM…

A Brooklyn Peach. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, now residing in "a city set in a forest," Atlanta, GA. I love warm chocolate chip cookies, funk music, documentaries, memoirs, and Romans 12:1-2. I love talking about art, crafts, pop culture, women in the Bible, repurposing furniture, healthy living, grandmothering , and rituals! The best part is when I get to share how it all bether for good.

Have a beautiful week! Don't let anyone take your joy, and remember, all you need you already possess.