These days, in the midst of COVID-19 stay at home, it’s the simple pleasures that matter most. An unusual bird at the feeder. A glimpse of the sea. A pretty sunset. New potted plants. A delicious birthday dinner. Video chat with family. And always the thing I love to savor most – being outdoors. Tea on the back deck. Sitting by the not-yet-open pool to bask in the sun or talk on the phone with an old friend. It’s always a good time to slow down.
BE HERE NOW.
Grace upon grace.
My favorite spot to sit in the early morning sunshine.
It’s been almost three years since my dad died, and today I walked into his workshop for the first time in many months. I was immediately assailed by the smell of sawdust, so pervasive, even after all this time. I was instantly transported back to seeing my dad at work in his shop through the years. My dad had a strong work ethic and loved to make things. The large wood shop still retains its essence with tools, wood, and bits of projects lying around. It has a strong sense of place. My dad was continually building things and gave me a love for all things architectural as we wandered through houses under construction including his custom retirement home being built.
My dad’s workshop
I hope to learn more woodworking skills and carry on dad’s legacy and make use of his wonderful wood shop.
I am blessed to have a number of his handmade pieces in my home, but the one that I treasure most is one that he and I did together.
Chart table with inlay
I have so many great memories of my dad who taught me the value of hard work and taking pride in creating beautiful things.
Taking daily walks with my 85 year old mother while I stay with her for a few weeks. She has walked daily since she was about 50. Her walks are shorter now and her pace has slowed, but she still keeps at it. I hope to be as energetic when I am her age. She takes care of her home, cooking, shopping, laundry, her personal affairs, keeping up with reading the NYTimes, and small projects around the house. Today she put up the bird feeder for the goldfinches having recently arrived back at her summer home in New England.
Splashing through tide water.
Here she is last summer with her granddaughter, undaunted by having to walk through the water to reach the beach. Her fortitude and spirit are enviable.
I first learned about the concept of daily rituals from Michael Hyatt who writes about productivity and success in work and life. I first adopted the concept of morning and evening rituals and workday startup and shutdown rituals when I adopted the Full Focus Planner about 2 1/2 years ago. I’ve long been a fan of a daily planner, but this is the best I’ve ever used and includes a whole system for goals, productivity, and short and long term planning.
I made my rituals into a bookmark which I kept in my planner and used as a checklist.
I’ve made most of these rituals into habits and they are a helpful way to frame my days.
I hope the power of rituals might help you to feel more organized and in control of your days.
As I was thinking about how to share this, I did a quick Google search and found several helpful articles on daily rituals and thought I would share them here.
