When do you pause?
I pause when I am in nature: a new blanket of snow on the fields, crystals shimmering in the snow, cold air swirling around me, snowflakes kissing my face, and peace engulfing the space.
I think of how far I have come.
I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them snug, you know, with a white quilt, and perhaps it says, “Go to sleep, darlings, ‘til the summer comes again.” (Lewis Carroll)
I encourage you to pause. Take a minute to make your own list of recent favourite things! It will probably make you smile :)
Recent favourite beverages: London fog and almond milk
Recent favourite foods: Noodles
Recent favourite thought: It’s snowing … it’s Christmas all over again!
Recent favourite books:
- The Book of Joy by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Abrams
- Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
- Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
- 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
- Against Empathy: The Case for Rational Compassion by Paul Bloom
Recent favourite song: We Bought a Zoo, by Jonsi
Recent reflection on gratitude: The deepest gratitude comes when friends sincerely wish each other well, encourage and compliment each other genuinely, listen to each other empathically, and exchange positive energy. During conversations, I feel at peace when people nurture kindness, without any bitterness. Surround yourself with people who are authentic, straightforward, and kind; life is so much more beautiful this way!
Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people. (Eleanor Roosevelt)
I think we have all talked about people in social conversations. But conversations focussed on gossip are harmful, especially for mental health. If you are talking about a person when he or she is not present, make sure it’s because you like that person, you are praising that person, or you have learned something valuable from that person! Or talk about someone who has upset you, but in a constructive or forgiving way.
Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough. (Oprah Winfrey)
Affirmation: I enrich my life when I pause and give thanks.