Slow down.

The little things matter. ... There’s sun coming through the windows, reflecting off of the little crystal bears just so. Rainbows are everywhere! She says, “Let’s dance in the colours, momma!” and we do. … The way she looks at you out of the corner of her eye when she wants to play. The way he smirks, taunting, before you know he is going to run away, squealing with glee. The way she raises her hands, questioning, when she gets passionately talkative and says, “Y’know?!” … Rain falls musically, revealing the hidden tambour of the soft wooden gate, the course sidewalk, and the thirsty earth. A soft blanket and a warm tea on the front step is a gentle reminder that the grass is greenest where you water it. ...

You’re busy, I know. Aren’t we all to varying degrees? Jobs, schooling, home and family responsibilities; this probably sounds familiar. It’s easy to get caught up in the organized chaos that is life nowadays. Sometimes we feel like the world is spinning, faster and faster, while we try desperately to keep up. I’ve heard it described as treading water, running the hamster wheel, and just staying afloat, among other creative interpretations that mean not being able to feel fulfilled and live life to its fullest. Slowing down, being mindful, and noticing the little things can be a great way to ground yourself throughout the day when life feels overwhelming. It can be something as simple as making a point to notice the details in a seemingly unimportant element of your surroundings. This easy practice is a great way to slow you down and bring you back to the present when life starts spinning.

It’s hard, I know. I’m what popular social media calls a “hot mess momma." With 3 littles, 3 jobs (no, I’m not exaggerating), and about 3 million chores to do in a day - you’d think I had a thing about threes - I sometimes have a hard time knowing left from right, nevermind remembering to practice the pause. The silly thing is how easy it can be to do if only you remember to do it: practice and pause. It won't always be easy but the more you practice taking a few moments out of your busy day to focus on the now, the easier it will become to slow down and enjoy all that you are blessed to be able to experience. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could just slow down everything. Minimize our go go go while maximizing our breaths and relishing in stretching moments into hours of relaxation and fulfillment. Well, although it is possible, it’s hard. This is why practicing the pause creates a realistic solution for us modern day, hot mess mommas to remember to slow down and embrace the moments in the now, even while you're knee deep in a doozy. It sounds odd, right. Slowing down, while being busy. Here’s the deal, slowing down your brain (and emotions) so that you can think more clearly while your body does what it needs to do during hectic times will allow you to better enjoy the shenanigans that you get up to every day. It’s about being mindful. Making a conscious choice to focus on the present so that you can embrace its beauty. If this crazy, busy, hot mess momma can do it, so can you. Notice: The first young chirps from that bird’s nest you found in the rafters; the sprout pushing past old concrete in search of sun; the breeze that cools your forehead after a long day of hard work.

A little extra: Joni Mitchelle’s Chelsea Morning is a great example of taking the time to appreciate the present. Have a listen and remember that you have so much to be grateful for.

Remember that the air which fills your lungs is just as miraculous as the sunlight that fills the skies.