Enjoy the Journey

This has been a magical summer. I’ve savored the beauty of each flower, blue sky, and shrub. Why? Because last summer I had major knee surgery and spent the summer months in excruciating pain. I didn’t get out much, and when I did, it was usually to my physical therapist’s office. Because of complications from knee surgery, I spent most of the summer on my bed with my knee elevated and iced. Oh, how I missed the beauty of nature then, and, oh, how I’m enjoying it now!

This summer I celebrate every flower and plant I see. I am ecstatic when I drive to the bank and see the petunias, marigolds, and tiger lilies that adorn the entrance. I am enthralled when I drive by neighbors’ yards and see roses, poppies, and sunflowers lighting up the world.

When my father was battling cancer, he was euphoric when the crocuses, daffodils, and tulips appeared. We did not realize that would be our last spring together as we celebrated the awakening of new life, but I when I see spring flowers appear, I remember my dad.

When my mom was dying, the leaves were falling from the trees. She pointed towards a majestic mountain and said, “Some day I’ll be climbing that,”and I know she has. As I spent the days with her that fall, I watching the beautiful autumn leaves and wondered if they would all fall from our tree before mom passed away. They did, and mom left soon after. Since autumn was her favorite season, whenever I see the gorgeous array of leaves, I remember her courage and her strength through adversity.

I’m away from home right now, and I’m enchanted by the desert landscapes, the flowering shrubs, and the swaying palms. It’s been a great week! I’m headed home tonight, and I will appreciate even more the green grass, pines, and the majestic mountain landscapes that are part of my world.

Imagine today if this were your last day to see—or walk—or live. What would you appreciate more? What things would annoy you less?

I love Liv’s blog “One Year of Beauty.” Liv finds such beauty on the commonplace and the ordinary, and with her keen eye, makes the everyday things around us appear extraordinary. Thanks, Liv, for helping me to better celebrate life.

Today, enjoy the journey. Savor the beauty around you. (And don’t sweat the small stuff—it really isn’t worth the energy.)

© Carol Brown