Once a month I chronicle everyday delights that liven up my world. Here are a few of my April everyday loves:
1. This Picture of Spring In The Desert: On my morning runs I always pass this tree, yellow snow at its feet. These Paloverde trees are everywhere in the desert, spilling their yellow goodness on the gray pavement. It is the perfect hallmark of welcoming spring in the desert.
2. This Frame: “Life Is A Balance Between Holding On and Letting Go.” It is a mantra that I repeat everyday. This frame sits on my bookshelf. Every time I turn around, I see the words that I need to inhale like oxygen. I love this, not only because of what it says, but because it was a gift from a dear friend, who helps me navigate this terrain of holding on and letting go.
3. My Daughter’s Drama Performance: Last week my daughter performed in drama entitled, “Swamped.” She played the part of a turtle. Part of the play involved singing. I watched as she moved across the stage, belting out songs and dancing to the beat. When I locked eyes with her, tears started forming in my eyes. She seemed so grown up on stage.
4. This Book On Creativity: War of Art by Steven Pressfield: It is difficult to pursue art. There are days that I write and I question every single word that I put on the page. As a writer, I often look for guidance to break through blocks in creativity. I’ve turned to War of Art for inspiration. This particular passage resonated with me, “Are you paralyzed with fear? That’s a good sign. Fear is good. Like self-doubt, fear is an indicator. Fear tells us what we have to do. Remember one rule of thumb: the more scared we are of a work or calling, the more sure we can be that we have to do it.” I recommend Pressfield’s book not only for artists, but for those who are working toward a goal and feel resistance.
What were your everyday delights this month?
Welcome! I am a lawyer turned freelance writer, essayist, and editor. On staff at Literary Mama and the co-founder and co-editor of the literary journal, The Sunlight Press, my essays and reported work have appeared in The Washington Post, The Lily, Saveur, Civil Eats, Brain, Child, ESPN and elsewhere. I am currently at work on a memoir on grief and culture and how it provides perspective on life’s ordinary graces. I invite you to appreciate the ordinary with me. I hope my daily practice of seeing the magic in the mundane helps you celebrate and find more of these moments in your life too.
I have heard so much about The War of Art, I really have to get that book now. Thanks for mentioning it! The quite is awesome, and I already feel inspired.
What a cute daughter! Very sweet smile.
Lea,
The War of Art is a quick read, but contains so much clarity and wisdom about the creative process. I refer to it often.
Thanks so much for complimenting my daughter.
A lovely peek into your life, Rudri!
Always nice to see you here, Windy. Hope you had a productive day of writing. xoxo
These are wonderful delights.
Today is a wonderful day with sun and warmth. That is a delight of mine! And I saw two moose over the weekend and celebrated an anniversary with a box of chocolates!
The sunshine always seems to add an extra something to a day. Connecting with nature is one of my personal faves.
“Life is a balance between holding on and letting go” -I love this!
I just put the book on my wish list…will order to my kindle in a bit! Thank you so much! Resistance is my battle when it comes to writing…
Susan,
I know that you will enjoy Pressfield’s book. The writing style is user friendly and he really lifts the veil on the source of resistance. I’d love to discuss the book with you when you are finished.
I think that saying about holding on and letting go is perfect… true in so many situations. It sounds like you had a wonderful month! What a sweet description of your daughter’s performance!
Sarah,
That quote is one of my faves. It encapsulates the essence of so much.
My daughter’s performances always push me to ponder the passage of time and how far we’ve come from diapers and bottles and sleepless nights.
Nice! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Glad you enjoyed it, Ayala.
Found you from SITS! I love that saying you have framed! I really need to go by those words!
Welcome Tess!
It is something I try to put into practice everyday, but am not always successful. It is a definite process.
Wonderful! As always I really enjoy your daily delights feature, Rudri. I love that quote about creativity. Also, I’m so glad you had that wonderful moment seeing your daughter on stage. I sometimes wonder at the kind of courage that they have, at such a young age. I don’t know if I could do anything like that.
April was up and down for me, as I think you saw on my FB posts. But I’ve realized that what delights me every day is taking my son to his martial arts school…I realized that as a work-from-home mother that I don’t have my own community, the way I used to when I worked outside. My son’s school has become that community and second family for me. Also walking/running. I went out for my first walk/run in a long time yesterday and was amazed at how good I felt, and how well I (finally) slept.