My son’s wedding was amazing, but even in the aftermath, my “to do” list seems to persist. We live in a high energy world. The daily stresses of a busy life can be demanding and add a family or relationship into the mix, it’s hard to find the time to take a deep breath. Did you ever wish you could freeze time for just a day to take in the little things that make it all worth while? The best things in life are free … the simple things … a beautiful sunset, fireflies, a clear starlit evening, a sleeping baby, the smell of fresh mown grass, a soft touch, summer breeze, an encouraging smile, moonlight, the aroma of  flowers floating on the breeze, a passionate kiss, summer rain …  The possibilities are endless.

I love to write. My blog is an escape and a way to vent, but finding the time to write has been difficult over the last few weeks. Sometimes we need to step back and re-prioritize. If you take the time to create a list of your little miracles, it’s like taking in a breath of fresh air. It helps to relieve the pressure that can build up in our fast-paced lives. When life gets hectic, we tend to overlook the little things … the beauty of nature, love and the little every day events that make you feel good … like catching all green lights when you’re in a rush, standing in the shortest line at the bank or grocery store, an unexpected phone call from an old friend, hearing your favorite song, a hug. The simple things in life give us balance, renew our spirit, and provide an oasis in a desert of frenzied frustration.

My mom always told me to take time to smell the roses along the way. I think we all need roses in our lives. Stress has been linked to nearly all major diseases and it certainly can affect our blood pressure and our state of mind. Love, laughter, a treasure chest of memories and pleasures that evoke a sense of calm satisfaction are worth their weight in gold … and yet they are all free. So, enjoy the best … for free. The next time you find yourself stressed, take a moment to breathe. Relax, and let your mind wander to your roses, what ever they may be, and escape the stresses in your life. Even a few moments can make a difference.

Casi