Yesterday as I felt the rush of leaving the house on time, this little guy (pictured) passed in my path. I haven't seen a slug in years. He inched his way along in the misty afternoon. It served as a great reminder to slow down. I would get there when I get there, I reminded myself.
Today is the ending of one of my favorite groups. I have enjoyed working with them so much but I have taught all that I can at this time. For my last session I am reminded to slow down, soak it in, and enjoy being with this wonderful group of women one last time.
As tends to be the case every time I have to work in the morning; my daughter was up all night. Each time I tried to soothe her I did my best to remember to be in the moment. It is much harder when sleep, and lack of sleep, is involved. Someday this chapter will also be coming to a close and I will miss her need to be snuggled.
My dog is going to be fourteen at the end of this month. She is not doing well. Her cancer has been slowly growing, her need for diapers increases, her hearing is nearly gone, and her strength and interest in food is declining quickly. We have few moments remaining to share and this breaks my heart. If ever there was a moment to slow down and live in the moment, this is that time. She has been a great dog and I do my best to honor her with being present.
Taking it slow is not a strength. My heart is one of my strengths and it is a guiding factor in my need to be present right now. So I will let my heart guide me and do my best to be present.
I'm grateful for these moments. I'm grateful for the little slug making his way across the driveway that served as my reminder. I'm grateful for my daughter and the snuggles I get as she grows. I'm grateful for sleep but more grateful to be a mom even when those two do not go together. I'm grateful to know I did my best last night to remain present with my daughter as we searched for a mutually satisfying solution.
I'm grateful for the group of women I have met through my programs. I'm grateful to get to meet and work with such kind, amazing, strong women. I'm grateful for the opportunity to teach and also for all that I learn from the women I meet.
I'm grateful for more than a decade with my fur-baby. I'm grateful to have had her with me through the good times and rough times. I'm grateful for all she taught me and all the unconditional love she has given me. I'm grateful to slow down and do my best to be with her at this time. I'm grateful for her smart, loving personality.
What would you like to be more present doing today? Who would you like to give your time and attention? How do you practice living in the moment.
May today assist us in being present. May we slow down in the areas it is needed and may we cherish the memories created. Have a beautiful day!