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Often the solutions we seek are the simplest; however, we doubt ourselves and first seek the more difficult solution until we eventually are led back to what was right in front of us.
This week I was reminded that the best solution to dealing with unknowns and aspects of life that are out of our control is to luxuriate in the life I have created for myself. In other words, revel in what we do have control over, cultivating celebratory, much anticipated everyday moments that enable us to be truly present. In other words, build an everyday life that brings contentment, sprinkled with daily,
weekly rituals that remind us of all that must not be taken for granted. Whether it is the hobbies we enjoy, the exercise we engage in, the time spent with friends and loved ones, the moments we have cooking meals or even the moments just before we fall asleep as well as before we step out of bed, live in such a way that is truly conscious, rather than allowing ourself to go through the motions until the next big exciting moment arrives. Because as we know, big
exciting moments are not frequent. However, I would argue that the seemingly small every day moments can become big amazing moments to treasure.
As an observer of life and watching and listening to others, I find some individuals do as they are told and it is too their detriment. Perhaps not consciously and they are not being told by any one individual. In fact, they may even think they are
living an independent, conscious life. But as I see them complaining about everyday events, people and ways of life they have chosen, I cannot help but contemplate why they have put themselves into the situation of which they are regularly complaining. Everyone's life is a journey, and we learn as we go, applying the lessons and doing our best as we move forward. But the good news is sometimes we personally do not have to make the mistakes. Sometimes we can observe
and learn from others. And the most significant life lesson I have learned is to make sure the decisions I make, the life I am building, is one that fits well with me, my personality, my strengths, my passions, etc. In others, don't follow what I "should do". Because when we unconsciously live the life the current zeitgeist expects, we end up doing a lot of complaining, wondering and whining. When instead, if we chose more wisely, had more patience and trusted our
internal compass, we would be reveling and not needing to escape the everyday lives we are living.
As I reflect on my week, the everyday routine moments that filled me with joy were simple: tending to my weekly grocery shopping at Trader Joe's and picking out the week's flowers (the first peonies of the season were found!), walking my dogs at the off-leash dog park and seeing
them frolic, smile and venture about until exhausted in the car ride home, enjoying my first picnic outdoors of the year with new friends, carving out one day during the past weekend to just peruse my favorite local bookshop, work at the neighborhood bakery and take in a matinee, and play in the kitchen with more than a handful of new recipes.
I have a feeling you too
have many everyday routines you could make even more worthwhile than they already are. Why not continue to invest and build an everyday life that sings, that leaves you excited to wake up in the morning and delighted when you go to bed because you had the opportunity to experience it and will be doing so the next day? I don't know about you, but knowing the everyday is something so grand, makes the extra special moments all the more sweet and easy to return home from without
lingering as what I have the opportunity to return home to is very sweet indeed.
In other words, it is the simple everyday life we live that can be the solution we have been seeking all along to a deeper, more fulling way of living.
Speaking of sweet, dark chocolate truffles was one of
the handful of new recipes that went live on the blog this week. Why you might be wondering were so many recipes posted this week? TSLL Spring Capsule Menu is about to be shared (stop by the blog this Sunday morning) and I was having fun in the kitchen testing and tasting the recipes.
Before I forget, last week I shared on The Simple Sophisticate podcast that on Monday June
26th episode it will be an "Ask Shannon" episode in which I will answer your questions about anything dealing with living simply luxuriously. Email me your questions at askshannon@thesimplyluxuriouslife.com and your question could be answered on the air. Feel free to send an audio file as well and your voice, as well as your question could be included. Questions have already been coming in and we have a great list so far. From style to life skills to improve your savvy
approach to making the most of life, ask away. I look forward to getting to know what you are most curious about.
Well, the weekend has arrived and with it, the weather appears to be ushering in beautiful sunny skies and warm temperatures. And due to the shift to near summer highs, I will be playing in the dirt this weekend, visiting the nurseries and dressing up my front and back porches. Be sure to follow along on
Instagram, and we'll see what I find. Needless to say, I cannot wait.
I do hope you have a wonderful weekend, and until next week, I'll see you on the blog.
