Stop & Smell the Flowers
Let’s take a leisurely little stroll down memory lane. Here’s a charming little tale that teaches a valuable lesson about the importance of slowing down and savoring those perfectly sweet little moments we come across in our everyday life.
It starts with a jaunt, down a serene country road. As I ventured down the trodden down dirt, the sunlight filtered through the lush canopy, and the buzz of birds and crickets in rhythm kept time with each step I took. The air fresh, clean, and the day bright, it was a perfect day to enjoy nature.
Now, ahead of me, a sprightly elderly man, ambled along with purpose. His slow and steady pace seemed to blend seamlessly with the heartbeat of the lush trees he passed. He did not know I followed behind at a distance. He did not know that I was trying to clear my mind from timelines, schedules and work projects.
Suddenly, like a scene from a heartwarming movie, the old man stopped in front of a twisted apple tree that hung lazily over a dilapidated cedar rail. I stopped, and the sound of the crunch of my feet ended, and only the sounds of the forest surrounded us. I stopped and watched as the old man extended his hand towards a delicate blossom, plucking it ever so gently. He gazed at the blossom for a moment, as though he was recalling a memory from it, and then he took a long, deep, satisfying inhale of its fragrance. Time stood still as he savored that fleeting moment, a contented smile gracing his lips. He then continued on his way.
In that tiny minute moment, a realization hit me like a lightning bolt. Instead of focusing on all the hectic everyday things that clouded my mind, I needed to take a moment and enjoy these simple pleasures. When I reached the apple tree, I too stopped and stared at the gnarled boughs of the fruit tree. It’s delicate white blossoms floating like little puff balls in the sky. I reached out and plucked a blossom. I closed my eyes and inhaled. It’s amazing what transpires from a simple smell, memories of playing in farmer fields and climbing apple trees with my brothers. Memories of fort building down the row of trees in our childhood home, memories of wine tours with friends; all from one little white flower.
Sometimes, finding life’s true beauty is not in the hectic hubbub of the everyday grind, but the ability to find joy, happiness, and content in life’s little pleasures. Sometimes, you just need to stop and smell the flowers.
By Danielle McNelly, Nortech Windows, Doors & Sunrooms
