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Tuesday, May 15, 2012

a pause for happiness (soLs)

I was reading Ocean in a Saucer by Laura Resau and found the inspiration for today's slice.

From Laura Resau at Ocean in a Saucer. Click on the image to
go to Laura's post.
I hunkered down last weekend. We escaped to visit Andy's mom, and I didn't blog or email or scrapbook or draft or work on my keynote or even open my computer. Usually when I avoid the computer it is because I'm feeling overwhelmed and stressed. I've been wondering what I'm stressed about, and then I came across Laura's post. I realized maybe I'm not avoiding work, maybe I'm simply pausing and being happy.

Here's a little list of "pauses" --

  1. Eating Mother's Day lunch outside on the patio with just the kids.
  2. Going for an hour-plus walk in the early morning sunshine.
  3. Shopping with the girls -- Hannah, Stephanie, Karianne, and Carolyn (Andy's mom) -- and buying summer clothes and prom shoes.
  4. Shiny grey toenails. (I'm totally not feeling guilty for getting a pedicure with Karianne.)
  5. Filling a new notebook and stretching myself in this work. Focusing on things other than character -- setting and conflict and objects -- and enjoying the the way a story can unfold.
It's good for the soul to pause and be happy. I think I should make sure to do this at least once a day.

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22 comments:

  1. Linda BMay 15, 2012 at 9:56 AM

    Thought-filled quote & post, Ruth. I love that you were just happy! It's hard to be in the moment without thinking of all that needs doing. Love those gray toenails too! Thank you for a good start to this day!

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  2. elsieMay 15, 2012 at 10:51 AM

    I love that quote! We all need to pause and reflect on the small moments of happiness in our lives. Thanks for the reminder. Right now I am pausing and loving it. I know it will be a slice soon.

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  3. JessMay 15, 2012 at 1:00 PM

    Love the list of "pauses." :) Great reminder post!

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  4. NancMay 15, 2012 at 1:28 PM

    We are all so hectic getting ready for the end pretty soon. I like that you paused and didn't feel guilty about the pedicure...xo nanc

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  5. LynnMay 15, 2012 at 1:42 PM

    I could not agree more!!! I think we would all be so much better off we took a bit of time to just STOP AND ENJOY ! And never, ever feel guilty a pedi add the mani next time!

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  6. SeneyMay 15, 2012 at 2:18 PM

    Pause and be happy...And your comment to do it at least once a day. Life would be easier, more manageable, and I hope I would be better at what I do. I will fit in the pause to my day. Thanks!

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  7. Deb DayMay 15, 2012 at 2:31 PM

    Nice. I think, for me, that's what the lake is for. To just slow down and be happy with what I have. Glad you made the time to do that. Love the quote. May have to hang it somewhere!

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  8. TaraMay 15, 2012 at 2:56 PM

    Pause and be happy - without doing so, what point is all the work and worry, right?! So good that you were able to know it was time to do so, Ruth.

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  9. PAMELA HODGESMay 15, 2012 at 3:01 PM

    Today I will pause and be happy. The end of the school year always makes me feel a little nervous. Thank you for the reminder.

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  10. drferreriblogspot.comMay 15, 2012 at 3:19 PM

    You are SO right about "pausing" and "reflecting" being a necessary part of our lives. I suspect that our grandmothers were doing so as they "shucked the beans" or "peeled the 'taters" but I am not sure that our generation is always empowered to do so by our jam packed schedules. Perhaps getting away is the only way to really "get away" from our lives and reflect.....

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  11. Beverley BairdMay 15, 2012 at 8:13 PM

    So very true! I have been pullking back from blogging more and more - and trying to capture moments of joy.
    Wonderful post and quote.

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  12. Betsy HubbardMay 15, 2012 at 8:41 PM

    I think you are so onto something here! When I finally started setting aside some time, space and moments for myself, my overwhelmed meter became relatively balanced. It is surprising what even ten minutes can do for your day. Glad you paused.

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  13. AnonymousMay 15, 2012 at 9:06 PM

    Lovely pauses filled with joyful happiness. I am thinking what I wil PAUSE for...thanks Ruth for a timely reminder!

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  14. JenniferMMay 15, 2012 at 9:14 PM

    Ooh, a beautiful quote and a wonderful reminder! I love all the "pauses" you described and this is definitely something I have needed lately. I will try to "pause" more often in these last few crazy weeks of school!

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  15. OneSunflowerMay 15, 2012 at 9:29 PM

    I've had some feelings myself about pausing - and they've been poised on the tip of my tongue - or should I say pencil - getting ready to post. Your entry gives me "pause" - I've got some more thinking to do.

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  16. MichelleMay 15, 2012 at 10:22 PM

    Love the quote -- so true, right? I was thinking about that tonight that life is always so, so busy and we need to be happy in the moment. Thank you for the reminder. What a special day you had full of moments of happy!!!

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  17. RobinMay 15, 2012 at 10:43 PM

    It is ironic to me that what we all need, crave - time to enjoy life and be happy- is so hard to "allow" ourselves to set aside time for. Good for you for both recognizing that you needed it and also finding a way to make it happen!

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  18. melodyMay 15, 2012 at 10:43 PM

    Walks are such a great way to start your day! Especially when it is warm outside :)

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  19. MandyMay 16, 2012 at 3:27 PM

    I am definitely anticipating a pause as well, but will have to push on through until grades are due. Thanks for sharing; your slice really got me thinking...

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  20. JudyMay 16, 2012 at 8:17 PM

    This quote is so very true. We need to take a step back and see where we've been and be thankful for all we have. Thanks for this reminder.

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  21. Laura ResauMay 17, 2012 at 10:20 AM

    Loved reading your list, Ruth! Beautiful!

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  22. Kristi LonheimMay 21, 2012 at 8:44 AM

    Noting what we are thankful for puts life in perspective, doesn't it? It sounds like you had a great sabbath.

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I {heart} comments. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.

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