Simple pleasures. I'm rediscovering these as my life has taken a major shift from being overly busy to being normal, and I'm loving every minute of it.
Here are some of the simple pleasures I've rediscovered:
1) Reading a book ~ for pleasure sake only. Not a book that enhances knowledge or causes your mind to flex, but a book simply read for the great story it tells. I would rather read a book than watch T.V. And after over two years of denying myself this treat, you can bet I have a lot of reading to make up for.
2) Watching a TV show for pure enjoyment. Sure, my TV has been on much while I was in college, but it was on Hannah Montana or The Suite Life of Zach and Cody. Never on shows that I like to watch, but now, I can actually sit in front of the TV and watch a show and not feel like there are so many other things that must be done and papers to write, and enjoy it. Isn't it just great for my husband that I like watching the sports as much as he does?
3) Fixing Dinner ~ I'm sure some of you just fell on the floor at that one, but really, when one actually has time to think about what to cook, and can actually plan it out, there is pleasure in your family eating your meal and enjoying it.
4) Movie night with a girlfriend ~ Being able to plan for someone to come over and actually spend some time relaxing with conversation and a good movie is nourishment to the soul. I plan on making this one a habit.
5) Enjoying one of Joel's ball games without some type of school book in my hands or the car waiting for me. Really being able to relax and be in that moment with him is something that I haven't been able to do, but now that I don't have so many other things on my mind, I am able to really enjoy his progress and games with him. How much have I missed out on??
6) Sitting at the movies with my love's arm around me! This is something that I will never get tired of, I will always treasure, and will still enjoy when I'm 90 years old. We spent the evening at the movies tonight, and while I was sitting there enjoying Iron Man with him (it's a GREAT movie, by the way), I tried to take a snapshot in my mind of the moment, simply because there was so much pleasure in it. A great movie, the weight of his arm on my neck, his hand rubbing my shoulder. It doesn't get much better than that!
7) Sunday evenings. Every Sunday evening since I started school, I have spent it finishing up assignments for the week, rushing to get everything turned in by the deadline, and reading/contributing to many discussion board posts. However, with graduation, I have found that I have my Sunday evenings back, and I now know how much I truly missed them. And it also makes me wonder how I ever survived without them!
and
8) Writing to be able to share. Not for a grade. Not a two page paper to be turned in on Sunday evening by midnight. Not a research paper. Not even a topic for sharing with others. Writing to put in print what is churning in my heart or my head. Writing to record a memory so I don't ever forget. Writing to leave a legacy for my children. Writing to share a truth with a friend.
I am sure as the days continue on, I will rediscover more and more simple pleasures that I have missed out on. I will be sure that when they come along I will once again be truly amazed at how much God loves me and thankful that my eyes and heart is open to enjoy the moment.
Blessings!
Joy
Here are some of the simple pleasures I've rediscovered:
1) Reading a book ~ for pleasure sake only. Not a book that enhances knowledge or causes your mind to flex, but a book simply read for the great story it tells. I would rather read a book than watch T.V. And after over two years of denying myself this treat, you can bet I have a lot of reading to make up for.
2) Watching a TV show for pure enjoyment. Sure, my TV has been on much while I was in college, but it was on Hannah Montana or The Suite Life of Zach and Cody. Never on shows that I like to watch, but now, I can actually sit in front of the TV and watch a show and not feel like there are so many other things that must be done and papers to write, and enjoy it. Isn't it just great for my husband that I like watching the sports as much as he does?
3) Fixing Dinner ~ I'm sure some of you just fell on the floor at that one, but really, when one actually has time to think about what to cook, and can actually plan it out, there is pleasure in your family eating your meal and enjoying it.
4) Movie night with a girlfriend ~ Being able to plan for someone to come over and actually spend some time relaxing with conversation and a good movie is nourishment to the soul. I plan on making this one a habit.
5) Enjoying one of Joel's ball games without some type of school book in my hands or the car waiting for me. Really being able to relax and be in that moment with him is something that I haven't been able to do, but now that I don't have so many other things on my mind, I am able to really enjoy his progress and games with him. How much have I missed out on??
6) Sitting at the movies with my love's arm around me! This is something that I will never get tired of, I will always treasure, and will still enjoy when I'm 90 years old. We spent the evening at the movies tonight, and while I was sitting there enjoying Iron Man with him (it's a GREAT movie, by the way), I tried to take a snapshot in my mind of the moment, simply because there was so much pleasure in it. A great movie, the weight of his arm on my neck, his hand rubbing my shoulder. It doesn't get much better than that!
7) Sunday evenings. Every Sunday evening since I started school, I have spent it finishing up assignments for the week, rushing to get everything turned in by the deadline, and reading/contributing to many discussion board posts. However, with graduation, I have found that I have my Sunday evenings back, and I now know how much I truly missed them. And it also makes me wonder how I ever survived without them!
and
8) Writing to be able to share. Not for a grade. Not a two page paper to be turned in on Sunday evening by midnight. Not a research paper. Not even a topic for sharing with others. Writing to put in print what is churning in my heart or my head. Writing to record a memory so I don't ever forget. Writing to leave a legacy for my children. Writing to share a truth with a friend.
I am sure as the days continue on, I will rediscover more and more simple pleasures that I have missed out on. I will be sure that when they come along I will once again be truly amazed at how much God loves me and thankful that my eyes and heart is open to enjoy the moment.
Blessings!
Joy
