"The world is too much with us."
William Wordsworth wrote that. It was true for him in the early 1800s, and it is true 200 years later. There is much about which to despair. There are many reasons to feel overwhelmed. And, yet, there is much joy to be found when we turn our focus to simple pleasures.
The other day, I was hanging sheets on my clothesline, and I found myself humming, "Heaven, I'm in heaven . . .." No, I wasn't thinking about Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dancing cheek-to-cheek. I was just happy, standing there with the breeze in my face and the knowledge that I would sleep between fresh sheets that night.
Here are some more of the simple pleasures that lift my spirits. I refuse to allow the state of the world to rob me of their charms.
The first cup of tea in the morning
The feel of autumn in the air
The return of birdsong at the end of winter
The slant of evening light
The feel of a grandchild's cheek
The smell of the earth after rain
A hard rain after a long dry spell
Sunshine after a long wet spell
Green trees against a blue sky
The feel of earth in my hands
Laughing so hard that I snort
Curling up with a book
A hot bath
A phone call or message from an old friend
A walk with a friend
Embracing a loved one
Chocolate -- with or without any of the above
Happily, except for the tea and chocolate, everything I have listed is free. What are your simple pleasures? Please share them in the comments.
Watching the squirrel run along my fence line with who knows what from my garden in it’s mouth.
ReplyDeleteRaspberries from my neighbors yard hanging over that same fence.
Quiet
Oh, yes, quiet. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteWalking my dog; hugging a tree; sunflowers this time of year; getting my feet in the ocean; the beautiful leaves of autumn; lunch with a friend and countless other blessings. Thank you for the reminder, Marjorie!!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I think it's time for me to do some tree-hugging.
DeleteI love sitting on one of our patio chairs in the morning with my cup of coffee looking at the flowers/trees while listening to the songbirds/hummingbirds and watching them eat. However, nothing tops being by the ocean!
ReplyDeleteTelling my son, to have a Great day, and I love you .
ReplyDeleteOf course. Thank you for sharing.
DeleteBeing able to tell my son as he leaves the house after a visit, ,"That I love him".
ReplyDeleteHearing my granddaughter say “I love you Grammy” and also hearing her laugh. The unconditional love from my dog. The deep connection that quiet meditation brings. Epsom salt bath surrounded by candles. Massages. Believing in goodness and light in the darkest of circumstances ✨
ReplyDeleteLovely, Lori.
DeleteWatching the heron fishing in the creek behind the house, the deer enjoying the apples that have fallen outside the family room, watching the wolf cross the property just after dawn, the start of the fall leaf colour extravaganza. Best of all this week: first extended visit from friends not seen in 5 years.
ReplyDelete(yes,M. It is me!)
Heron! Creek behind your house! Such bounty.
DeleteHugs from loved ones.
ReplyDelete