Joy of familiar

Dearest,

How are you? Are you curled up in a blanket or laid out in the sun? What is something that triggers joy right where you are now? Take some time now to really appreciate it. For me, this morning, it is listening to my daughters talking in the lounge. Cliche as it is, it doesn't feel that long ago that we were taking our eldest home from the maternity hospital - those almost 25 years have gone past so quickly. Now these two superb humans are exchanging thoughts and laughter as their own unique selves.

We've returned home this week after two weeks in Te Wai Pounamu, the stunning South Island of Aotearoa, New Zealand. Meeting clients, having our annual strategy session for our business and enjoying travelling the empty and ruggedly beautiful roads. Coming home I realised how the number of decisions you need to make while away add to my mental load.

So back at home life returns to routine and familiarity. A routine I'm reflecting on. Does it support the life I'm trying to create? Does it enable me to spend time on the things that are most important?

A good life, in my mind, is pretty simple - hydrate, nourish, move, rest, connect and be of service. Just six things. Simple but not easy to do consistently! I think we as modern day humans have confused those two words as being basically the same. A good life is simple, however, does not mean a good life is easy.

So as I'm reflecting on my routine I need to remember to choose my hard. What does a good life mean to you? Is it the same or do you have other aspects? Do your current routines strengthen these or are they at odds with what you actually want?

Another gift of coming back home are the changes in the garden that would have otherwise been gradual are very clear to see. Daffodils greeted me at the kitchen window. Each morning their bright yellow upright position sets a positive tone to the day. The plum trees first blossom has bloomed, and the line tree is once again laden with fat juicy fruit. Jasmine and Daphne still fill the crisp air with the scent. Simple joys.

I hope today, Dearest, you get to enjoy your own simple joy. Laughing with loved ones. Admiring natures beauty. A quiet moment of calm in an otherwise chaotic day.

Take care Dearest - of yourself, of others, of your thoughts, of your actions and of our beautiful world.

You are worthy - always

Ngā manaakitanga xx