Celebrating the Small Things

Since I began “celebrating the small things” it’s been surprisingly easy to find something positive about each day, be that a walk with friends, shared laughter during a family game or an unexpected, friendly gesture. Today saw me gifted with “A Spot the Archers Character” mug from an Archers' listening colleague.  It didn’t matter that it was an unwanted, duplicate Christmas present; it was the thought that someone considered me as a suitable recipient that made it a lovely gesture.  I feel very lucky to be surrounded by people who make my life better by their simple acts of kindness. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Welcome to 2015.  Here’s hoping that it’ll be a year when every day is lived to the full

Although last year was full of positive happenings, they were over shadowed by the tragic death of Fiona, Alex’s mum.  But Fiona wouldn’t have wanted excessive wailing and wallowing in grief so despite feeling some sadness  when Alex was chatting with us after he and Nerea had returned from their Hogmanay partying, I also felt a great sense of hope as a new year begins for him and his dad, Bill.  Every day is so precious; remember to celebrate the small things! 

Feeling thankful

Recently, I took part in a FB initiative to be thankful for things each day and post them as my status.  I usually don’t bother with these types of campaign but as FB can be full of destructive and negative comments and this year I was determined to celebrate the small things, I was happy to take part. And it’s proved to be a hugely positive and affirming thing to do.  It’s been revealing just  how many beautiful things happen each day that we can enjoy, be that a smile from a stranger, early morning birdsong or a wonderful view

Flowers on Carlisle Station to cheer up train travelling!

The not so cold shoulder

Do I jump over or not?

I’m not sure how I feel about celebrating the small things anymore, as I am now nursing a very sore shoulder from doing just that!!  I managed to tear my rotator cuff by slipping off a wooden walkway on my way back from a detour to view a beautiful field of golden buttercups, on what would have otherwise been a very wet and uninspiring walk.  Had I ignored the siren call of the meadow, I wouldn’t now be struggling to lift my mug of tea.  But, immobile shoulder and joking aside, it’s still worth enjoying the extraordinary beauty around us

A soggy path

The rain made the leaves shine beautifully

The golden meadow

I must do better

Despite having plenty to write about, I can’t believe how difficult it’s been to put the virtual pen to paper, recently. With Nerea’s recent return from Canada, a very demanding schedule at work and several personal commitments, I don’t seem to have had the time to scribe anything.  And I’ve been surprised at how frustrating that’s been. I enjoy my drafting my whimsical musings, despite their lack of artistic or literary merit as it helps fulfil my determination to celebrate the small things, be that baking an old, favourite recipe, sharing a geocaching adventure or simply admiring a beautiful view