I can’t remember where I first heard of this idea, but it seemed like a great way to notice and appreciate the beauty in life, while being fully aware the busyness of life may prevent one from committing to finding time to post daily. So I’ve decided to post pictures and memories of one event each week that brought me happiness.
My daughter asked me to take this photograph. Her exact words were “Mummy, can you take a photo of the beautiful tree, I want to capture how the snow has fallen on it”.
I chose this image because my daughter’s resilience and ability to find beauty anywhere and everywhere inspires me. In that moment she tuned out so many other things to focus on something good, something she thought was worthy of pause. It is a lesson in how to find happiness, because the reality is we can’t control most of what happens to us, but we can still see joy and hold onto that. This walk wasn’t perfect, one little one purposely ran for ice which wasn’t safe {covering a small body of water} and my arthritis was quite terrible {in fact for much of the walk I had tears steadily streaming}. And yet, I’m choosing to remember it this week because it kind of represents life, in an odd sort of way. And despite all that happened, it is a shining example of just how blessed I am – two lovely children to take on a walk, the ability to walk, a park to enjoy. Doesn’t get better than that.
Am loving your daily updates- they are keeping everything focused in my mind. I especially liked your comment about your loonie – a word i havent heard since i was last living in Canada aged 17 ! brought back some memories. like you i am looking around me at what i really need to have in my life and am decluttering so much as i go. It is really theraputic , and you are right – it keep your home tidy and reduces the time you spend on it. I have also found that meal planning and having a big shop in which is all accounted for has actually made me less stressed about food , not more – i know i have enough in for 2 weeks ( from a shop of £110 uk) and it has made me feel really in control. I have even made a food spread sheet ! I budgeted for 400 but am going to reduce that and see if i can feed us all for £200 this month – a big task but i am looking forward to it. Today we have walked in Dunham Massey – a large country house in the north of the UK as a family ( even with grumpy teenagers ! ) and it was lovely. Tomorrow is the first day back at school for us , so i will be paying out bills but nothing else !!! Love to the FT family xxx
What a beautiful picture! It reminds me of spring when the trees are covered with cherry blossoms against a blue sky. Natural beauty is so healing, even when other things seem painful and wrong. This morning’s Epiphany sermon talked about how we often think of the universe as being one thing and God being another thing over there apart from it somewhere, whereas the universe is held in the mind of God and God is speaking to us through the physical universe all the time if we will pay attention. So glad you are able to foster your daughter’s artistic eye through some low-key lessons. Children teach us to see what is in front of us over and over again if we don’t shut them down.
It’ s a lovely idea and way of capturing the beautiful memories throughout the year, it will be great to look back on in a year’s time.The picture is lovely btw, all credit to your daughter!!!
I am enjoying your daily posts too. Food for thought for this serial procrastinator. Your photo reminds me a lot of a Van Gogh painting of a tree with blossom. Your daughter certainly has a talent for noticing beauty where others may pass it by.
What a great idea!
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