Paradise right here in our pockets….that sounds pretty sweet!
Today I have Tess Marshall here, from The Bold Life, to share her wonderful writing. Tess is filled with a deep love for life, and even beyond that – she has this real zest for the life she lives! BOLD is a fitting word to describe the passion she has for truly living!
Please read along, as Tess shares…
Pockets of Paradise
“A box without hinges, key, or lid, yet golden treasure inside is hid.” ~ J.R.R. Tolkien
(This post was inspired by Ardath Rodale of Rodale, Inc.)
Do your remember when you were a kid what kind of "stuff" you'd put in your pockets? Things you wanted to treasure and put away for safe keeping. I can remember stuffing my pockets with notes passed in class from best friends, a four leaf clover found at recess and chewing gum that wasn't allowed. Precious things that defined my life as a kid…that's what I stuffed in my pockets.
When I took out my spring sweater last week in the pockets I found a Starbucks gift card, missing earrings, and a peppermint…little pocket presents or surprises. Each treasure brought back a memory…and I smiled.
Everyday small miracles, delights and surprises fill our lives. I saw a lizard climbing the wall in my back yard today, my geranium had a new bloom and a morning dove was singing softly as I watered some flowers. These for me are moments of bliss…appreciation…mine for the keeping. Today I'll slip these pieces of paradise in my pockets.
On my quick 3 mile run this morning I felt spring in the air, birds chirping and bushes blooming. When I returned I made fresh squeezed orange juice with the oranges I bought on a nearby farm the day before. I pocketed these everyday mementos as well. They help me feel all is right in my world.
Bits of paradise also come when someone tells you to "keep the change" or when you receive an unexpected text message from someone you love. I also fill my pockets when I experience kindness, compassion and love.
My grandchildren and oldest daughter are coming for a visit over their spring break next week. From the moment we pick them up from the airport, until the day they leave, our home will be filled with their "big and happy" energy. We're going to hike, swim, watch movies and eat ice cream. My pockets will be overflowing with mementos of laughter, fun and excitement. I 'll place the paradise experiences in my pockets to be emptied after they're gone and all is quiet again.
Daily we have numerous opportunities to give and receive experiences of love, joy and happiness. We can witness miracles happen in nauture. We be kind and loving to those around us. Noticing, appreciating and savoring paradise moments will make your heart happy.
Keep your everyday gems and treasures in make believe pockets. Carry them with you always. You'll feel like you're on top of the world!
Please share with us what bits and pieces of paradise you have in your pockets today.
About Tess
Tess Marshall is the mover and shaker, at The Bold Life, where she’ll hold you accountable for being the boldest you’ve ever been in every area of your life! What would you do if you were 10 times bolder? Sign up for her RSS feed and receive updates. You can also follow her on Twitter and Facebook.