Stop and Smell the Daffodils
It occurred to me a couple of years ago that I had missed spring. I looked up and it was time for our summer beach trip and I had missed the daffodils. In that moment I realized what a treasure I had taken for granted. As kids we don’t notice how fleeting the seasons are; we don’t even notice specific flowers until we are about 10. So I calculated that I had only had the privilege of really seeing daffodils so many times in my life so far and I had completely missed one of those opportunities. If I live to 85, I will only have the chance to see them another 20 times and that is not nearly enough. Spring is the time of new beginnings; a time of budding trees, spring showers, the sighting of Red winged Blackbirds, and daffodils. I will never miss daffodils again and I hope you don’t either. Right now make a list of all the things you don’t want to miss this spring and spend a few minutes every day noticing the gifts of the season. Then of course get back inside and do some writing!
Anita Tieman, Ed.D
Co-author of the Movement and More series of books.
7 comments:
Where I live, the bulbs are just starting to pop and I will make sure not to miss them. I'm gardener so I understand how daffodils feed my soul.
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It's autumn here Anita, but I certainly take your point. In fact that's the theme of my novel Black Cow - not to be so busy doing, that you miss being.
Great advice, Anita! That's what Julia Cameron calls "refilling your well," It's something I need to remind myself to do every once in awhile!
I was reminded to stop and smell the daffodils today. A 5 year old jumped off of the bus and ran to the neighbors yard to stoop down and smell a daffodil. It made me smile. Children are so quick to enjoy life, we need to take a tip from them.
Funny you mention daffodils, we were driving along a road today and nsaw a whole front lawn full of them and they were beautiful.
Anita, thanks for the reminder. As writers we can become completely absorbed in our work, whether writing or marketing, and can very easily 'not see the daffodils.'
Maggie, great way of putting it!
Martha, kids really do help us see life in a fresh and exciting way. It's wonderful just to watch them.
I had Japanese visitors this week who were entranced by the daffodils and stopped by every clump we passed on our walks. It reminded me of how much I have been taking for granted--as did reading Maggie's book.
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