DO Sweat the Small Stuff

Bee. How small, unique and...odd? While visiting the low water bridge last Monday to take updated foliage pictures, I was struck by a dainty bush filled with yellow flowers. But as I looked closer, I noticed bees! They were flying from flower to flower, searching for nectar, of course. But how could this be??? It's fall, not spring! Is someone playing tricks on me?

“It is a wholesome and necessary thing for us to turn again to the earth and in the contemplation of her beauties to know of wonder and humility.” — Rachel Carson

Action: Look for, expect and see the small yet amazing, interesting, and quirky events of life.

Have you ever felt like you're being secretly filmed in a movie? This is somewhat of a regular occurrence that gives me a good laugh. I have convinced myself that someone or something is getting a real kick out of the bizarreness and follies of my day. This past week I felt like I was in The Truman Show where everything was part of a surreal movie set. There were a number of small things—nothing big or grandiose—that combined to make for an outstanding week and left me with an intense sense of gratitude and humbleness. Let me explain...

Last Monday, we were trying to catch our breath from our climb up to the top of Mt. Bonnell when it was promptly taken away again at the top by the sight of a full and glowing harvest moon. As the morning progressed, the moon slowly retired, respectfully passing on the duties of the day to the sun. In no time, she warmed us and was shining in full to our delight.

Later that same morning, we were lying back on our udderballs at Boulder Trail Park when a stunning group of butterflies fluttered about and graced us with their presence. Mixed in among them were a handful of Monarchs. It was spectacular and special to be greeted by our namesakes—we knew they knew who we were.

Two days later a congregation of tiny, shiny and unidentifiable birds caught our attention at Pease Park. They performed a synchronized dance and literally sparkled. Just when we thought they were gone forever, another congregation danced for us. We were in awe.

And finally, during Friday's morning yoga on the dock, we saw the fog roll in until it completely covered the lake. Through the fog, the rowers and swans silently sculled past. As the sun rose, the fog lifted and left in its place a reflection of the fall foliage on the water like a beautiful painting. Then later that morning, still on the dock we were greeted by a familiar sight: a lady who arrives every Friday morning, like clock-work, to rent her kayak. Lately she's taken to a brief bit of yoga while she waits. She stands quietly to the side, never saying a word, and moves through the yoga pose we are practicing. This week I was leading and got a bit silly while moving up and down in a sumo-like yoga squat, smacking my legs and tush like the wrestler. We all had a good laugh, and our quiet companion copied every silly move!

Last week was fantastic for me. Though I didn't have a big event, go on a special trip, or treat myself to a shopping spree, the small joys all added up to make for a substantial experience. Maybe I created it—looking extra hard for things to write in my “log on life”. Or maybe it was all set up by a crew that was secretly filming me—ha! Regardless, I learned last week that every minute in each day is filled with “small stuff” that I DO want to sweat. It's up to me to have the right mindset and stop long enough to see the little things. And when I do I notice tiny miracles, experience memorable moments, or see interesting people moving all around me, it humbles me and makes me grateful for a life that is rich with blessings.

Your life, like mine, probably isn't being manipulated for film. On the other hand, if ever you find yourself seeing something like this week's video, take a good look around for cameras!!!

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