Friday, April 8, 2011

Can't see the flower for the hills --

[Linking up to Macro Friday and Show Off Your Shot]


Sometimes it feels as if we wish our whole lives away --  when I'm older, when I get to high school/college, when I move away from home, get married, have children, buy a house, lose that weight, get my bills paid off . . . with all these pressing things or highly anticipated moments in life, it's hard to live in the moment, hard to look around and appreciate what you have right now, today.  

It's then that I feel like the little bug who rode home with me in a bouquet of dahlias last September -- all I can see is one hill after another in front of me; I can't see that every hill is part of a beautiful flower that is the context for the journey I'm on in this life.  (I also can't see that even though I'm a bug, I'm kind of cute, but that's material for another post.)

There's a nice article in Psychology Today on "The Art of Now:  Six Steps to Living in the Moment."  The author, Jay Dixit, has a lot of good advice about becoming more mindful, about controlling our thoughts rather than allowing them to control us.  People who live more in the moment, who are aware that the hills are part of the flower, are happier, more secure, have higher self-esteem, and so on.  They are not always catastrophizing about the future (my bad habit) or rehashing awful things from the past (which I often do, too).  

Right now I'm thinking about retirement, which will occur in one year, three months and one day (but who's counting?), fantasizing about how nice life will be when that happens, how happy I will be to not have a 150-mile commute (round-trip) any more, all the great things I'll do once I have time to do them, on and on.  And worrying -- will the money be enough?   What in the world am I going to do with the 25 years' worth of stuff in my office?  What if I'm lonely for all my dear colleagues?  And on and on with that, too -- 

For today, I want to work on enjoying my life now, this moment, Friday, April 8th, 2011.  I'll take pleasure in the fact that my Loved One's surgery means I'm spending more time with him, quiet time around the house, enjoying the lilacs that are just about ready to photograph, making something nice for dinner . . . and appreciating everything I have.   It's all good.     

20 comments:

Olivia said...

Such a cute shot!

Discovery School at First Baptist Heath said...

Ahh waht a perfect message to my 45 year old ears.. and that bug is a great reminder. Amazing photography and great message!

Anonymous said...

Oh, I love this. Just spectacular. Love the color and the whole statement this picture (and your message) makes to me. Lovely!!!

Elise Ann Wormuth said...

Thanks very much -- he was a very cute bug :)

Anonymous said...

I love your little bug shot, and your words are very insightful. Great analogy about the hills. It is all too easy to get bogged down in the valleys of life. As for all that stuff in the closet...eBay! I don't think I'd miss the 150-mile commute one bit. And the money you'll save on gas will be quite a raise! My exchange entry is at peripheral perceptions http://bit.ly/i2L5pr

Anonymous said...

Great shot! I love it! And I love the pink too.

Kristy Hom said...

Beautiful photograph and analogy. Thank you for this! (-:

Wow...you do a 150-mile commute? I hope that isn't every day!!!!

Sending good healing vibes to your loved one, and a quiet, happy weekend together.

Elise Ann Wormuth said...

Thanks, everyone -- no, I don't do it every day, just twice or maybe three times a week.

Gina Kleinworth said...

That is great that you captured nature like that

Anonymous said...

thanks for sharing the article!
people these days have such a problem with enjoying "here and now". including myself.
anyway, great macro!!!
hugs,

Unknown said...

That is amazing and humoristic, looks like the bug has very long trip to go:)

Anonymous said...

Great capture - that is a very cute bug! Thank you for your words. Too often I live waiting for the future or rehashing the past! It is a good reminder to live in the now!

Rachel.

Barbara Rosenzweig said...

Super!Thanks for adding "The Art of Now."

I love nature's tiny gems and love to paint them!
Barb

Courtney said...

Beautiful shot, Elise! I feel like that all the time - can't wait til.... Definitely should learn to live in the now and appreciate the time we are given.

Daniele Valois said...

my mo just retired, and she is having the time of her life! But, way to focus on now. It is truly important.

Elise Ann Wormuth said...

Thanks, everyone, for your comments! I appreciate your stopping by --

Elise Ann Wormuth said...

Thanks --

Linda said...

absolutely gorgeous photographs!!

Elise Ann Wormuth said...

Thanks, Linda -- I appreciate your visit --

rachel said...

great shot! and I love what you're saying too. it is so true! thank you for linking up!