Stop and smell the "Lee Ann" Roses

Every June, I am blessed with hundreds and hundreds of blooms from my "LeeAnn" rosebush! It is lovely and colorful, the scent is divine and sweet.... I feel like they are little angels coming to visit me each Spring. I wish they lasted all summer long, but the Texas heat is a killer and they can't survive the spiking temps... in the hundreds...so I enjoy them while I can... "Stop and smell the roses", as they say! I used to sing that song when I was little and never really gave it a second thought, but as I grew older [and hopefully, wiser), it just makes sense. Life is so short and we all are going to die someday... It might be today or it might be a zillion days from today...but the most important thing is to enjoy what we have while we have it by stopping to "take a moment" to count our blessings. I have so many, though, that sometimes... I stop and forget to start again.... LOL! Seriously, though, there is so much out there which is good that sometimes we miss them because we are wrapped up in what is bad or negative. The little things that go by in life make the memories of a lifetime. At the time they are happening, they might not seem so significant, but they become locked into our minds afterward and are what we can draw upon in times of sadness or strife.

I know I use "visualization" many times when I am struggling in situations that I would rather not be in. It takes some time and practice, but it is possible to transcend to another place when you would rather not deal with what is right in front of you. I used to go to this certain beach in Hawaii which was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. So quiet, tranquil, serene and mine. It was near deserted most of the time and void of all children and obnoxious noises. As I sit here, I can transport myself to that exact "feeling", of when I was literally there in person. I engaged all five senses most of the time while visiting that bay.... feeling the sand, smelling the ocean, hearing the wispy waves ripple on the shore, tasting the salt air (or was that the remnants of Doritos on my lips) and seeing crystal and pure, turquoise waters. This place is so special to me and what I feel God gave me as a special gift to revisit whenever I needed Him. Having that experience with me, for a lifetime, is all I need to get through this life. Perhaps you haven't been to a beach like that, but I am sure there has been at least ONE memory in which you were engaging all your senses and had the most blissful, happy feeling .... perhaps the first time you saw your child after they were born or in a place where you felt at peace... THAT is what I am talking about. You have to learn to LIVE IN THE MOMENT, though, and engage in all your senses to get to that spot. Luckily, I have more than one to draw upon, but that "beach scene" is my favorite! FIRST, though, you have to calm your inner voice and listen to NOTHING. It's not as hard to do as you would suspect.

REMEMBER to Nap and.......

always, always, always WONDER!