Yesterday I went to get my haircut by Nikki, my long-time hairdresser of four years, and she said the nicest thing that anyone has ever said to me. A little backdrop: usually, we exchange pleasantries, and then she launches into her latest life drama (last haircut, it was all about trying to get along with her new mother-in-law). I usually lend a sympathetic and understanding ear – which means, she talks, and I make comforting noises like, “Mmm hmm” and “uh huh” and “That must feel very frustrating!”
So yesterday, I asked her how things were going, fully ready to hear about the latest and greatest crisis, when she said, “You know, I’m going to take a page out of your book. Today I feel grateful and happy, the way you always seem to feel. In all the years I’ve been cutting your hair, you’ve never had a single negative thing to say about anything or anyone. And I thought, ‘Well, maybe I should be more like that.’”
Wow! That is the nicest, best, most wonderful thing anyone has ever said to me! It’s gratifying, too, because I HAVE been working hard on myself and purposely steering myself in this direction. I definitely have down- or off-days sometimes, which I call, “falling off the wheel.” But I would say that north of 90% of the time, I feel contented, happy, and truly, truly grateful. What’s there not to be happy about? I have more blessings than I know what to do with: a loving husband, a miracle-daughter, both of my wonderful parents, two fantastic and supportive brothers, great health, a place to live, food on my table, clothes on my back, and awesome, awesome friends. Plus, the knowledge that I am working on myself, growing and improving personally and spiritually every day, and getting closer to fulfilling my highest purpose here on Earth. I love this work! I love my life.
One of my favorite mommy bloggers, Monica, used to have a tradition called “Joy Pockets” on her blog that I don’t notice her having anymore. She’d celebrate the joyful moments in life: the sound of her daughter’s laughter, the shadows that leaves cast when the sun shines through them, the feeling of the ocean flowing away between your toes, etc. I think maybe I need to start a tradition like that on my blog, so that we can all be reminded of just how wonderful it really is to be alive. What do you think?
I love this, Mare! Such a refreshing contrast from the griping and gossip we are so used to, right?!
As I was reading this, I was thinking about your blessings and how they are those fundamental “simple” things in life that bring the most joy, contentment and well-being. Family, and relationships, food, a home, etc…
I have been on a quest to really simplify and get rid of all of the “extra clutter” in my life; both the physical “stuff” that has accumulated in my home, but also in how I spend my time, spend money on, etc. I definitely think there is a direct correlation between simplicity and contentment. Don’t you think?
Heather
I totally agree, Heather. When you simplify, you are really focusing on the most important things to you and letting all others occupy a lower priority. I think that is the best way to enjoy life!