Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Graceful Simplicity
I read a quote not all that long ago that said essentially - "practice a life of graceful simplicity". I laughed a bit at the time and thought to myself "as opposed to chaotic or clumsy overabundance"? However, I am realizing more and more what the quote truly means and I am trying to use it as inspiration for my own life. I love that by using the word practice the quote implies that we have control over what happens on a day to day basis in our lives, that we have a thoughtful and positive impact on our own lives and the lives of others.
More importantly, I love the concept of graceful simplicity. I like the idea of appreciating the little things -- sunny skies, a random day off with no plans, a Sunday spent with family, cute flip-flops on sale, a perfect pedicure, a lunch with friends, a quite night with my boyfriend, a good workout, a long walk -- the things that we overlook or don't take time for regularly because work, school, life get in the way.
I'll be thirty this year and I have created a list of things that I want to do before the big day with this idea of graceful simplicity in mind. Some of the things are very practical - pay off a credit card, lose 15 pounds -- and some are more creative or thoughtful - inspire someone, draft a short story, watch more sunsets. I figure I have about 6 months of practice so that the next decade of my life includes a bit more time to appreciate the little things!
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3 comments:
I really like this quote. The word practice reminds me of one of my favorite slogans "Practice not Perfection" This gives me strength to try things even if I might fail.
Great job blogging!!!
What an inspiring quotation. When I get down on myself I reread this quote from Helen Keller that I enjoy: "I long to accomplish a great and noble task,
but it is my chief duty to accomplish small
tasks as if they were great and noble." It reminds me that instead of hoping for major success I should approach my daily life - the little things - with care and compassion.
I, too, like the idea of "graceful simplicity", Katie. There is much to be said for immersing one's self into a moment of simple gratitude. I keep a gratitude journal and sometimes one of my five for the day is "I am grateful for the sun today,". Holding on to the gratitude of an event or verbal exchange--even a small one--helps us keep a more positive perspective.
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