"Everywhere around me, I see beauty."
That's a phrase I've carried around with me for awhile.
And, I've relied on it a lot this week.
It wasn't a particularly easy week for me emotionally.
I felt emotions like fear, worry, loneliness, uncertainty, and loss of control.
But in the same breath, when I lean into this phrase...
Everywhere around me I see beauty.
I've been able to see so much beauty and goodness coinciding with those heavy emotions.
And feel a lightness filled with gratitude and love... in spite of the heaviness.
Leaning into this phrase offers to bring me back to the present moment when I'm 10 steps ahead (or behind) in my mind.
Taking in the beauty of...
...the kindness and patience I witnessed in people this week
...the care of my friends
...my sweet snuggling dog, Mags
...the long loving hug from my son
...the held hand from Ryan on our many car rides this week
...the kitchen full of dishes after my kids made their own breakfasts and lunches... they're healthy and independent!
...the back entry full of shoes - a home full of life!
...the fluffy snow and the deafening quiet of the air in the early morning
...a hot morning shower
...delicious home-cooked meals
...the sound of the furnace cranking out heat during the arctic blast outside
...the personalized, "Hi Jill!" from the grocery check-out clerk
...and so many other beautiful things
I could go on and on.
I invite you to find the beauty all around you today.
In the midst of whatever you are experiencing...
Everywhere around me, I see beauty.
Repeat that again and again.
See if you can spot it.
Feel yourself absorb it.
And see what you discover.
