I snapped this picture yesterday evening as I was on my nightly domestic dash. It’s taken out of the bedroom window in a bit of a hurry but the view just stopped me in my tracks. The sky was a vivid pink. Just for a few seconds though and then it returned to grey.
I think what stopped me in my tracks more was the fact I was stopped in my tracks. If you know what I mean!
In days gone by I wouldn’t have even noticed something like that and certainly not hot footed off to get the camera to record it.
I get moments of contentment like this every day. It’s a real thrill and wish perhaps I’d done more of it before in my life. Perhaps I might not have got so stressed and grumpy. Good to know that I’ve not changed completely though, I’ve transferred my compulsive, obsessive behaviour to another focus. Blogging, baking, cleaning, and yet working when I have to.
My friend Naomi is taking a year off from work. To do what you might think. Me too! She’s had a really fun time so far – travelling, lounging around and doing a bit of a life laundry. We’ve been sharing moments of contentment today hence the inspiration for this blog. Incidentally, she’s never happier at the moment clearing, sorting and shaking up her cupboards. I swear I had nothing to do with that she thought of it all on her own!
It got me to thinking what brings contentment to people. I know from my coaching that people certainly do want different things from life but lots of people struggle to find that contentment – hence why they use a coach. It’s a lot of fun and so rewarding when the thing – that ahah moment – goes clunk in people’s minds and they literally change in front of your eyes. Even when you’re coaching on the phone you can tell it’s happening and feel the vibes and body language changing.
Who hoooo. What a buzz. As my coach trainer and mentor says “Better than drugs – and it’s legal and free”.
As you can tell I’m pretty content with my lot. Actually more than a little. I think I’ve finally found my niche in life and am starting to live life to the full. All I need now is to win the lotto so I can pick up and take New Zealand to southern Spain where it’s a bit warmer and closer to family and friends.
Hmm, I like bold goals but think I’m dreaming here. Or maybe not? Maybe my next plan is ejecutivo doméstico – who knows?!
Contentment- sitting out in the sunshine with a cup of coffee, cats at my feet, birds twittering overhead, all around only nature, daydreaming over plans for the garden but… only after a good working session in the garden. Or- sitting out on the cliffs after a good walk, at Morte Point, sea and sky in front, cliffs and sheep behind, watching the waves and the seals with OH and a cuppa. Even I can see a pattern: achievement, nature, contemplation (daydreaming), a cuppa and NO civilisation in sight. Do I make a good candidate for the kiwi lifestyle? I hope so.
Oh Ruta, indeed you do. In fact you could be on my veranda. There is certainly plenty of work to be done in the garden so book your ticket now the kettle is on.
JT
I am blessed to feel contentment in most of my day. I don’t let the past weigh me down, for it is now, in the present that we live. I don’t worry about the future; but put my energy into making what I do now, in the present, positively affect the future.
I feel a great peace when I am amongst nature. I can stare at a fern in the garden, blowing gently in the wind, for only seconds – but feel like it was so much longer. A dewdrop reflecting the sun’s precious warmth; the call of the tui and the aeronautics of the fantail; the smell of sweet herbs growing in my garden – enlivened when I gently rub my fingers on the leaves; the laughter of children caught in a world where time stands still – they know this secret already – but I have to teach them to retain it as they journey into adulthood with our world’s infactuation for ‘time’.
I really loved reading this post; you write beautifully and the photograph is stunning – bringing back memories of so many wild sky and landscapes I have seen.
Life here in New Zealand is magical – but I too feel the pull of home so strongly. I’ve been here around ten year’s and miss my dear family and many friends very much. I am thankful our love is so strong that the distance doesn’t quell our deep bond. It would be so lovely to share more sunsets and dramatic skies with them in person – but thankfully the age of the Internet helps us to share so much more than we could have done had we emigrated year’s ago.
How on earth can I follow up with anything insiprational after not only your amazing post but that response from Sarah and Ruta?! You ladies are just lovely.
I love all of your posts, I find myself thinking about them at random times in the day due to the amazing diversity. You take stunning photos, write so wonderfully and never seem to tire which is just awesome. When it was hailing yesterday I was wondering how it was at your house!
I find blogging very healthy, some say I can be a little infatuated by it all though as for a while I had 3 going at the same time, but since life gets busier that had to stop. I do find myself though sitting having breakfast wondering what I can do for the day so I can get it on the blog!!
Keep the insipration coming – lots of cyber hugs x
Absolutely love your contentment, I love that feeling when everything you’ve worked for comes together, and I can imagine feeling that in the lives of the people you’ve touched.
I love your writings, and the picture just brings the world together. I love a good sunset and that’s amazing. Thank you!