I find a lot of my friends have been reminiscing lately and it’s inspired me to share another favorite WanderQuotes. When I sit with friends and listen to what they are sharing, I find they aren’t memories of big events but of special small moments that they had the awareness to treasure. I’ve heard about the joy of waking up to discover your dog snuggling in bed next to you. Or how light hits the prism in a window just right and it sprays a rainbow across the floor. I also hear about what it’s like to savor your first mug of hot chocolate for the season and how adding a little spice helps take you to that special place. None of these are milestones to be discovered by your ancestors in the family history books. All of them are personal moments where you can bask in the joy of daily being.
Lucy Maud Montgomery, through her character Anne Shirley, observes the importance of these simple little pleasures. Allowing yourself the chance to slow down and notice the sweetness that surrounds you. And I think there is an aspect of gratitude in there as well. In our crazy, manic days it gets easy to let the world overwhelm us and dictate our moods. Learning to be grateful for the small moments where things are really just right puts the rest of it in perspective, at least it does for me.
I also love Montgomery’s allusion to the nicest days being like pearls slipping off a string. I immediately remembered a photo I took of strings of pearls spread across a table. This little shop was up on stilts, over the water, at the edge of Inle Lake in Myanmar. As soon as I had reached Inle Lake, I felt time slowing and I noticed that I was savoring simple moments. After checking into my room, I slipped out to my attached outdoor shower which had a window facing the Shan Mountains in the distance. As I stood there washing away the sweat and humidity of travel it began to rain. I looked out towards the mountains and discovered a rainbow had formed in the mist. I was instantly struck by what a special moment and place I was in and my heart slowed to beat along with the rhythm of Inle Lake. The rest of my days there continued to present these little moments to treasure. Each one collecting on a thread, like a string of pearls.
I encourage you to reflect on the sweet moments you’ve treasured recently. When have you been able to slow down and enjoy a simple pleasure? What has made you smile? What has made your heart sing? What are the pearls strung on your own special necklace? And if you are willing, please share one with us below. I would love to hear what you have found dear and treasured.
One of my special pearls lately has been the wonderful feedback I have been receiving from you WanderShoppers. Recently on the WanderShopper Pinterest boards, I have been adding 100 followers a week and cleared 1,200 yesterday. It has been really gratifying to discover so many people are inspired by the same things I am. If you find today’s WanderQuotes especially inspiring, please feel free to pin it to one of your Pinterest boards and share it with your friends. And while you are there, check out some of my newest pins and boards. You can also discover some of the other WanderQuotes I find meaningful.
Until we shop again,
Sarah
