After a long, eventful weekend…
I was taking Langley for her standard nightly walk last night – which at times feels like a chore to me. Inspired by an article yesterday morning, I decided to lean into this nightly ritual and enjoy her enjoyment of all the smells along the way.
Too often we get caught in the do, do, do, do of daily responsibilities.
You know how this goes, jumping from one responsibility to another, hardly being present in the first one because you’re planning out what you need to accomplish the next one (two or ten). For me, this overwhelm often leads to a f***it list. Whatever it is just doesn’t matter any more because I don’t have the time or energy for it and other things are a much bigger priority. These are “dos” I want to let go of, and it’s good to have that ability and awareness.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve also got a bucket list.
It’s filled with meaningful, heartfelt desires and some extravagant adventures. The bucket list is what I want to do.
I would like a looooong ‘pluck-it’ list of memories – meaningful things I did.
A ‘pluck-it’ memory - slowing down enough to enjoy the moment, to pluck out this ripe and tender experience and let it sink deep into my awareness and memory bank. We think these are curated by vacations, holiday meals, and special occasions. In reality, these are happening all around us every day and often this simply requires being present.
Although I don’t like to think about it…
There will be a time Langley joins all the other dogs in heaven. I won’t have the “opportunity” of taking her for a walk every night and I know I will miss those moments with her. So rather than grumble at the chore, I’ve decided to be grateful for these precious and fleeting moments I get to spend with her. Like last night, I’ll be present and pluck those experiences ripe with memories, adding them to my list.
How often are you running from do to do?
How often is your brain 10-15 steps ahead of your actions? How often are you slowing down and savoring the moment right in front of you that’s ripe for plucking? Try it today.