Every month I chronicle those everyday things that give me comfort or offer a place of reflection or joy. Here are my everyday delights for May:
1. This picture of the Grand Canyon: We took a road trip to Grand Canyon. I felt the stillness in the air as I stared at the jagged edges of the canyon. Some points of the rock were masked by shadows, while other areas of the gorge possessed a clarity that needed little explanation. The metaphor did not escape me. Much of life centers on trying to obtain clarity, even when we are mired in darkness.
2. This book: The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan: I devoured this book on the road trip to the Grand Canyon. This is a collection of posthumous essays and short stories from Marina Keegan, a Yale graduate who passed away in a car accident. Only 21, she carried the wisdom of an old soul.
Some favorite lines: “What we have to remember is that we can still do anything. We can change our minds. We can start over.” “We’re so young. We can’t, we MUST not lose this sense of possibility because in the end, it’s all we have.”
3. These magnets: I have a set of these magnets in my office. They are simple reminders on what is important. Every time I look up, it gives me a chance to consider the possibilities of these words. And it reminds me to actively try to integrate practicing these actions in my daily life.
4. This summer tote: 
Summer is here and it means trips to the pool and errands around town. This tote is practical and sporty. You can also personalize these Land’s End canvas bags with your initials or your name.
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.
While I found the Grand Canyon beautiful, it gave me great unease in its presence though I’m not quite sure. Perhaps, the sheer magnitude of it was something I’d never experienced. I felt the same way about many of the mountains we hiked out West. I was intimidated by the size as the mountains here are much smaller and more trees rather than these giant “stone” structures; the beauty was amazing though. I had a sense of fear throughout my body and couldn’t regain my core of calm. I didn’t quite understand my feelings…was it simply because I was out of my element and I enjoy the comfort of routine?
I think your observation is interesting, Susan. I found a stillness in the canyon that comforted me. I’d like to hear more about why you felt fear (maybe a possible post on your part). Excavating what makes us fearful is just as important as learning what offers comfort. It is great that you have this awareness.
I have magnets on my desk that really do change the way I look at the day. I LOVE that.
I’ve never been to the Grand Canyon. It’s up there as something I really, really need to do.
Going to the Grand Canyon is such a transformative experience. If you ever have a chance, please take it. Given your eye for photography, you can appreciate all the details of the canyon. It carries a meditative spirit that I have not encountered in many other places.
I visited the Grand Canyon more than 20 years ago and the images are still fresh in my mind. I’m glad you loved The Opposite of Loneliness. I have seen the book but not read it. I also love totes!! I am always on the lookout for a good one for my books 🙂
Glad you had a chance to visit the Canyon. It is such an overwhelming experience.
The tote would be perfect for your books, Cecilia. Even with the personalization, it costs under $30 dollars. A great deal.