The Simple Things

It is amazing how good it feels to wash my car.....or should I say more clearly, my mini-van. With three kids, you can only imagine how disgusting it can begin to look after a few days. On a side note, I never imagined that I would be driving a mini-van! It is one of those things you rarely aspire to in life. I went very begrudgingly into the mini-van arena. It was only after my third child was born that I quickly realized I was fighting a losing battle. Once I gave in however.....I was a changed woman. You have no idea how heavenly it is when your kids are screaming and you can just load em up quickly, when you have automatic doors. In addition, that DVD player is an absolute life saver!! That is one of the simple things I cannot live without. It assures me for the most part that I will have peaceful driving. I do not know how parents from the past survived without mini-vans and DVD players. Oh sure, kids will be kids and there will still be fighting over what movie to put on and which headphones are best. Another simple thing is cleaning. Clearing clutter and cleaning our spaces can help us feel lighter, brighter and just elevate our mood quicker than anything. When life feels crazy and out of control, cleaning can immediately help restore some sense of order in our lives. In Feng Shui, clearing clutter and cleaning is considered to be an energy "cure," meant to positively shift the chi considerably. When you want a quick pick me up, clean your car, desk or kitchen counter. It's a simple thing, but can help a lot! A nice cup of iced coffee, one pump chocolate-skim-cafe mocha (I am high maintenance sometimes), or skim cappuccino can really make my day. Of course a nice piece of dark chocolate (Sees candy is my favorite, but sadly, there are no Sees in CT), can put a smile on my face. Other simple things, a hug or kiss from my kids. Those kisses and hugs are the best!! Music can absolutely make my day. I love my inspirational music, but a good dance song like Miley Cyrus, Party in the USA will do the trick too. I especially love watching my four year old dance and sing to, Still Not a Player, by Big Pun. You haven't lived until you've heard the words rapped by a little guy (who sounds like Elmer Fudd), "I'm not a player, I just crush a lot....for my thugs." Going to a good movie is a simple thing that I have enjoyed since my childhood. It is a wonderful escape from the world, and a great way to laugh, cry, be inspired, feel suspense and overall great entertainment. Journalling is a simple thing I always recommend to clients and I do almost every day. It is a great way to get your feelings out, have some clarity and overall help you vent. It's the easiest and cheapest form of therapy available. Enjoying nature is a simple thing that can calm the spirit. Sometimes, when you have no time to go to a park, just sitting in a grassy area, looking at or buying flowers, or staring at the night sky can give you a bit of nature. Kindness is a simple thing that can elevate your mood. As a friend of mine wrote on Facebook, sometimes being kind to yourself can be the best gift of all. She is right, be nice to yourself each and every day, it's that simple. A good book is a simple thing too. I just started reading, "The Shack," after many people recommended it. There are so many simple things in life to enjoy. Each and every day pay attention to smallest things that give you joy or make you smile and allow life to be enhanced by all of the simple things.