I had a late start today after a late (fun) night out. I spent the late morning and early afternoon being incredibly lazy. Then again, I did catch up on a couple of my TV shows, so it was a wee bit productive. (Okay, that’s a loose definition of productive! I know, I know!)
By late afternoon I got myself ready and headed out to see my nephew play hockey. This year he’s playing out of the net (he was goalie last year!). And he’s good, for an 8 year old! It was exciting to watch him play. It was even more warming to talk to him about his game afterward.
His team lost. It was 4-0. But he wasn’t upset by the loss, no for him he was excited by his near goal and the fact that he’s so good at rebounds.
I was so warmed by the perspective. They lost, but he had fun and he focused on the good. I was proud of my nephew in that moment. I hope he will take that outlook with him in all aspects of his life. More of us, in life, should find ways to better accept the loss and find a win within it.
Life isn’t always about winning outright. It’s about working within what you have or where you find yourself. Even in a loss situation, there are moments that bring light, learning and evolution to a soul.
Moments with family.
Moments with the bigger picture.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Moments D262: Panic & Calm
Today was our staff appreciation party. It’s always a fun time and it’s great to see your co-workers all dressed up. (Yes, some of them clean up quite well!) It was a really fantastic evening with some wonderful people.
But today’s moment is about the wee adventure I had before heading to the party. It was a pre-party in Pickering and I was taking the GO train out there and getting picked up at the GO station.
Now, I’m not sure why I was so nervous about this trek, but there’s no doubt that I was. First, I didn’t want to walk to the GO station (only 8 min away) in my heals. Secondly, I really didn’t want to walk to the GO station at all. Not in my well-fitted dress. Not with my jewelry on. It made me nervous!
I did what I always do when I get nervous about something. I planned. I looked up the GO station to find out exactly where it was and how I would get to it. I made sure that I was there 10 minutes before the train was to arrive. I left my rings in my pocket, wore flat shoes for walking and I was covered from neck to knee hoping that would bring me some comfort.
And, for the most part it did. I was still nervous, but less so. And then, with ticket in hand waiting for the train to arrive, I stopped, giggled at myself for being so silly and unzipped my coat to enjoy the warm 9C degree weather. I let the calm settle over me as the train arrived. I spent the 10 minute ride meditating on having a great night and just finding my centre again.
Moments to plan and prepare for.
Moments to laugh at self.
But today’s moment is about the wee adventure I had before heading to the party. It was a pre-party in Pickering and I was taking the GO train out there and getting picked up at the GO station.
Now, I’m not sure why I was so nervous about this trek, but there’s no doubt that I was. First, I didn’t want to walk to the GO station (only 8 min away) in my heals. Secondly, I really didn’t want to walk to the GO station at all. Not in my well-fitted dress. Not with my jewelry on. It made me nervous!
I did what I always do when I get nervous about something. I planned. I looked up the GO station to find out exactly where it was and how I would get to it. I made sure that I was there 10 minutes before the train was to arrive. I left my rings in my pocket, wore flat shoes for walking and I was covered from neck to knee hoping that would bring me some comfort.
And, for the most part it did. I was still nervous, but less so. And then, with ticket in hand waiting for the train to arrive, I stopped, giggled at myself for being so silly and unzipped my coat to enjoy the warm 9C degree weather. I let the calm settle over me as the train arrived. I spent the 10 minute ride meditating on having a great night and just finding my centre again.
Moments to plan and prepare for.
Moments to laugh at self.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Moments D261: Push harder
Tonight I took some time for myself. All by myself. It was productive and lazy and quiet and absolutely what I needed. My moment today stems from being in this place of me. I was home alone and unplugged from the world and I was perfectly content to be in that space.
The first thing I decided to do was get a workout in. I’ve been bad/lazy as of late. Too many gatherings, outings and distractions for me to keep any real schedule. I realized it’s time to get back to something, lest I find myself 40lbs heavier again. And so, I put in one of my favourite workout DVDs and off I went.
And not 10 minutes into the program I realized I have been too lazy. Too lazy indeed. I was already feeling it! It reminded me that when we get lax about things, pieces of what you’ve worked towards fall to the wayside. This is not what I wanted. No way! And so, I pushed a little harder through the pain. With every step, with every lunge, I promised myself I would get back into shape and into a routine to maintain that.
Moments for self.
Moments for health and fitness.
The first thing I decided to do was get a workout in. I’ve been bad/lazy as of late. Too many gatherings, outings and distractions for me to keep any real schedule. I realized it’s time to get back to something, lest I find myself 40lbs heavier again. And so, I put in one of my favourite workout DVDs and off I went.
And not 10 minutes into the program I realized I have been too lazy. Too lazy indeed. I was already feeling it! It reminded me that when we get lax about things, pieces of what you’ve worked towards fall to the wayside. This is not what I wanted. No way! And so, I pushed a little harder through the pain. With every step, with every lunge, I promised myself I would get back into shape and into a routine to maintain that.
Moments for self.
Moments for health and fitness.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Moments D260: Pretty Things
Today I was up earlier than I have been in weeks and commuted to work in just under an hour. All a little out of the ordinary for me and my schedule. And yet, the drive wasn’t completely unbearable (at least it was moving the entire time) and the sun’s rays were unfolding the darkness of night just as I hit the highway. It was pretty.
And who doesn’t love pretty things?
When I finally rolled into work I was early. Bonus. I had a lot to accomplish today. But before I dove in, I checked my personal email. I had this beautiful email from a kindred spirit. The words were like a warm blanket….sitting watching a fire and pondering life. It was a perfect way to breathe before diving into a busy chaotic day. Also included was a song. Piano. My favourite instrument. Pretty Things. So very lovely and warm. Yes. A perfect way to start one’s day.
I appreciated those pretty things. The sun peaking into the sky. Friends reaching out with warm words and hugs from afar.
Moments appreciating my circles.
Moments with a warm blanket sitting fireside.
And who doesn’t love pretty things?
When I finally rolled into work I was early. Bonus. I had a lot to accomplish today. But before I dove in, I checked my personal email. I had this beautiful email from a kindred spirit. The words were like a warm blanket….sitting watching a fire and pondering life. It was a perfect way to breathe before diving into a busy chaotic day. Also included was a song. Piano. My favourite instrument. Pretty Things. So very lovely and warm. Yes. A perfect way to start one’s day.
I appreciated those pretty things. The sun peaking into the sky. Friends reaching out with warm words and hugs from afar.
Moments appreciating my circles.
Moments with a warm blanket sitting fireside.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Moments D259: Lost and Found
Today I met up with my one of my besties. I haven’t seen her in quite some time. Our lives got in the way. Our lack of words got in the way. And frankly we were a bit lost between us.
But today’s moment was about being found again. We found our words. We reconnected. We found the light in a dark time (as we both have much on our plate) and we cleared away the cobwebs to reveal the sparkle below.
That was my moment. Seeing my girlfriend smile and know that all was right with the world again. I had really missed her and though I’ve told her in the past two months that I’ve missed her, neither of us had the time to connect. It was good to reconnect and celebrate a belated Christmas & New Year’s.
Moments with friends to catchup and clear up.
Moments appreciating how you are lucky to have such incredible friends.
But today’s moment was about being found again. We found our words. We reconnected. We found the light in a dark time (as we both have much on our plate) and we cleared away the cobwebs to reveal the sparkle below.
That was my moment. Seeing my girlfriend smile and know that all was right with the world again. I had really missed her and though I’ve told her in the past two months that I’ve missed her, neither of us had the time to connect. It was good to reconnect and celebrate a belated Christmas & New Year’s.
Moments with friends to catchup and clear up.
Moments appreciating how you are lucky to have such incredible friends.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Moments D258: Cheerleader
Today I was a cheerleader, not once, but twice. Each moment was important to another. However, that being said, each of moments were as unique from one another as it could possibly be.
The first moment: being there for a friend who experienced a traumatic death of a pet. It wasn’t about being a cheerleader in the common sense of it. But the similarity is there. It was about reminding him how much he loved his cat. How spoiled she was. I was there. I supported and I coaxed out the words and the emotion to help the grieving process. A solemn cheerleader perhaps, but positive, loving and supportive words shared with my grieving friend.
A then, at the end of the day, I found myself cheering on a playoff series of billiards. This time a true cheerleader with boisterous positive, loving and supportive words.
It was strange to note the similarities between the two moments, after all they are quite disparate from one another. And so today’s moment is about that realization. That one can be a cheerleader in many situations.
Moments to support a grieving friend.
Moments to support a group of friends in playoffs.
The first moment: being there for a friend who experienced a traumatic death of a pet. It wasn’t about being a cheerleader in the common sense of it. But the similarity is there. It was about reminding him how much he loved his cat. How spoiled she was. I was there. I supported and I coaxed out the words and the emotion to help the grieving process. A solemn cheerleader perhaps, but positive, loving and supportive words shared with my grieving friend.
A then, at the end of the day, I found myself cheering on a playoff series of billiards. This time a true cheerleader with boisterous positive, loving and supportive words.
It was strange to note the similarities between the two moments, after all they are quite disparate from one another. And so today’s moment is about that realization. That one can be a cheerleader in many situations.
Moments to support a grieving friend.
Moments to support a group of friends in playoffs.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Moments D257: Grandma's Body wash
Yup. That’s right. You read correctly. I know it sounds odd, but bear with me.
Two years ago in November my Grandmother passed away. The Christmas prior, she gave me a bag full of goodies. One of those goodies was a perfumed body wash from Yves Rocher - Ming Shu. (Also included was body lotion and the perfume itself.)
Now, I don’t particularly like the smell of the perfume which is part of the reason that I still have the body wash. Every now and then I like to use it. This morning was one of those days. I’m not sure what inspired me to grab that particular bottle this morning, but what followed was a bit of an epiphany.
As I squeezed the bottle, I realized that I had had this bottle for over three years. And as that thought crossed my mind, I considered why. Why was it that I held onto this bottle? I didn’t like the perfume. I certainly didn’t need more body wash. I wasn’t even particularly close with my Grandma, so there really isn’t any sentimental value to it being in my possession.
And as those thoughts crossed my mind, I sent a silent prayer to Grandma wishing her well and asking her to watch over my family. I reminded her that my Mom loved her (even though they weren’t close either) and we all hoped she was in a much better place. And then, the moment passed. I was back into my normal morning routine.
For me, it reminded me that life is short. That every day needs to be respected and considered a new canvas to paint upon. We build our days. Our days build our weeks and our weeks fill up months and years. EACH day and more importantly, each step matters.
And so, today I’m reminded, by my Grandmother’s three year old body wash, that time is short, love is endless, and sharing light is my ultimate goal. I will keep that bottle for some time to come. I think it will serve as a good reminder now of just how important it is to greet every day with a fresh eye.
Moments to thank our ancestors.
Moments to be reminded of the importance of today.
Two years ago in November my Grandmother passed away. The Christmas prior, she gave me a bag full of goodies. One of those goodies was a perfumed body wash from Yves Rocher - Ming Shu. (Also included was body lotion and the perfume itself.)
Now, I don’t particularly like the smell of the perfume which is part of the reason that I still have the body wash. Every now and then I like to use it. This morning was one of those days. I’m not sure what inspired me to grab that particular bottle this morning, but what followed was a bit of an epiphany.
As I squeezed the bottle, I realized that I had had this bottle for over three years. And as that thought crossed my mind, I considered why. Why was it that I held onto this bottle? I didn’t like the perfume. I certainly didn’t need more body wash. I wasn’t even particularly close with my Grandma, so there really isn’t any sentimental value to it being in my possession.
And as those thoughts crossed my mind, I sent a silent prayer to Grandma wishing her well and asking her to watch over my family. I reminded her that my Mom loved her (even though they weren’t close either) and we all hoped she was in a much better place. And then, the moment passed. I was back into my normal morning routine.
For me, it reminded me that life is short. That every day needs to be respected and considered a new canvas to paint upon. We build our days. Our days build our weeks and our weeks fill up months and years. EACH day and more importantly, each step matters.
And so, today I’m reminded, by my Grandmother’s three year old body wash, that time is short, love is endless, and sharing light is my ultimate goal. I will keep that bottle for some time to come. I think it will serve as a good reminder now of just how important it is to greet every day with a fresh eye.
Moments to thank our ancestors.
Moments to be reminded of the importance of today.
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