One of my goals for 2013 is to be present and experience more of my life. I want to ensure that I am appreciating the every day moments that we often take for granted. I sat down and counted back to 31 days and starting thinking:
I have made 31 breakfasts.
I have made 31 lunches.
I have made 31 dinners.
I have served 31 snacks. At least.
I have poured countless glasses of milk. Some with chocolate. Some without.
I have enjoyed 31 good nights. And more than 31 good night kisses.
I have been blessed with 31 good mornings. Full of hugs and cuddling.
I have crafted, baked, painted, and colored with crayons.
And, I have done all of those things without really appreciating a single one of them.
31 days ago, the world lost 20 innocent children and 6 devoted adults in a tragic shooting in Newtown. There are 26 families who would give anything to trade places with me. To have the opportunity to do all of the things that I have nearly ignored the last 31 days.
Today, I am reminded of my commitment to the 26 Acts of Kindness initiative that Ann Curry started on twitter. It’s time for me to focus more on doing for others and being present, and as a result, I’ll be experiencing more of my life.
What steps are you taking to experience more of your life?
Thanks for the reminder! I haven’t cooked as many meals as you have but there are lots of other things I have done without truly noticing and enjoying them. It is so easy to forget to pay attention.
It’s true, we often “go through the motions” of life forgetting to note what is important. I don’t want to miss out or overlook things any longer.
Thanks for stopping by!
Has it already been 31 days? Wow! That puts things into perspective. Great post.
Thanks, Megan. I was surprised to see that it had been a month already, too. It seems like only yesterday – yet so long ago, too.
Very inspiring post. I didn’t realize it’s already been a full month since that tragic day. I agree though, there are so many things that I should appreciate yet I tend to take for granted.
I am working on experiencing more by getting away from the computer on the weekends. My son and I are doing more crafts and educational games during the day when it’s just the two of us. Just spending time with family makes life much better!
I read a post yesterday about a mom who “quit Facebook” because she felt that her experiences weren’t authentic, and that she was broadcasting too much of what she was doing in her life & with her son. She mentioned that she wasn’t enjoying things, that she started feeling that she was doing them to share. I don’t ever want to get to that point. Never.
Awareness is on my list of things to better in myself for 2013. Thanks for this inspiring post!
How are you doing with bettering yourself? It’s been a few days since you left this comment, and I wanted to check in. I’ve noticed that while I haven’t changed much about our daily activities, I’ve been enjoying my life more. Changing my outlook and focusing on a goal (to be more present), has clearly made a difference for me!
I have thought about the tragedy every day since it happened. Every new experience I have with my kids, there are parents that will never get to experience those things. Makes my heart break!
I feel the same way Cecile. It’s so tragic what happened in Newtown, but the best way we can honor their memories is to live every day to its fullest. I am focusing on being present and enjoying everything. Granted, some days it is easier than others! But I am so appreciative for every day, and every moment.
I made this commitment as well and I have slacked off a little because of some personal and family issues. But the world is still grieving and I have not fulfilled my commitment so thank you for the reminder.
I think as long as you’re thinking about what you’re doing to do, that you’re on track to keep your commitment. I my 26Acts to mean something, to have purpose.
What a beautiful reminder. We truly do need to forget about the “other stuff” and focus on what IS really important. Thank you for sharing. Love this post.
Thank you Marina. I find more and more mothers that I meet feel this way. We’re so busy going through the motions of life that we’re forgetting to live.
I love this post Emily! Part of the reason I started the happy challenge on my blog was to never feel that I was taking for granted the most important things around me, which are not things! You always have so much to share on this, hope you join the challenge one week. 🙂
Thank you so much, Isra!
I’ve been giving a lot of thought to what I’m doing and how I’m living my life. I want to ensure I’m living my best life, and really being present. I agree – many of the things around us that are important aren’t things at all!
That’s a good idea to look back and really think about the little things done over a month’s time.
It is amazing the little things that we overlook every day. I’m really trying to focus more on being present and enjoying our experiences.
The name of my blog is 31 Days Early I Rise. 31 days ago I know I was not where I am today – I have made progress. I was in a whole other year and I’ve made it to this one. I have another chance to teach my children how to show love and give mercy. I have another hour to exercise instead of sit. I have an opportunity to call my mother and tell her I love her. I have washed well over 31 loads of laundry, 31 sinks full of dishes, and my hands way more than 31 times. In the next 31 days my goal is to embrace my loved ones 31 times more than I did, and to forgive the little things 31 times more quickly, to give honor to God 31 times with immediacy and not after thought. Thank you for this post. You brightened my day.
Thank you for this thoughtful comment. I’m happy to have been able to brighten your day a little bit and wish you much happiness on your journey!
Have a wonderful weekend!