Living in the Present Moment

I don't know about anyone else, but this has felt like the shortest Winter ever to me. I think it probably had to do with Thanksgiving being so late & then the Christmas Season just flew by & it's already February!! (I was still listening to Christmas music in January because I didn't get enough! Anyway, I used to get a little blue come February & just need the Spring so badly- I would start thinking of flowers & gardenening & being outside & just crave warm weather. (Not depressed or anything but just almost bored & restless... probably a touch of seasonal affect disorder??)


(image from http://www.housetohome.co.uk/)

Anyway, it's been different for the past couple of years: In 2006, I was pregnant & just so excited & happy preparing for the baby.


In 2007, I was so busy with a 6 month old & I joined this great mom's workout class, that I didn't even have a chance to notice the weather. Below, my poor little guy with doilies taped to his back:


And now this year, with a 1 and a half year old & a business & a blog, I've been so busy this has felt like the shortest Winter ever. The busier & more into what's going on in life I am, the less I notice the weather! (Below, a room I did with my mother-in-law)


Yesterday, it was in the 70s & whenever these warm days come around in February I sort of have to steel myself up & not let Spring in. Yes, of course I go out & enjoy the weather, but I try not to get used to it, to expect it... just so I can get through the winter. BUT, I think I sort of let Spring in yesterday. :( (I bought a quilt at an antiques fair that will be perfect for Spring, I had the urge to pull out the Spring clothes, we washed & cleaned out our cars, did a little yard work, and I planned lots of little Spring cleaning/ organization projects in my mind and desparately had the urge to move out & buy a house NOW.) Long story short: I'm totally craving Spring now.
(image from mytorontohomeimprovement.com)

My husband & I have been trying really hard not to "click" our life away (yes like the Adam Sandler movie) and to enjoy every moment. We've resolved to have the best time we can, living in my parents' basement & to not always be thinking about the future, but I totally started wishing the time away this weekend. I'm sure it was the house-hunting combined with the beautiful weather but anyway, I realized I really need to just stop. To focus on the now. And it starts with little things: having fun on a daily basis, doing little creative projects, eating good food, getting excited about the small stuff, enjoying the weather, etc.

(image from http://crumblycookie.files.wordpress.com/)


We usually do get another cold front in late Feb/ March, so I know I need to get a little more excited about Winter. And I would LOVE more snow days! So, I need some more ideas for winter fun. Easy little projects that make life prettier & more organized. Fun activities that keep you in the present moment. I'll be compiling a post with these little winter projects & pick-me-ups & would love your input. (Below, our dog Ashby buried in snow)

I want to share with you my favorite quotes. The first is from a Christopher Pike book (I will never stop loving him!): "Be in the present moment. If you live life one day at a time, then tomorrow will take care of itself & the past will not torment you. "

And the second is from this little plaque I've had since I was a baby that I keep in my top drawer: "There's something to be loved in every day."

So, I'm going to put my energy in the now, in the present moment, and to love something about every day. And right now, that present is February. So again, I'll be doing a post on winter pick-me-ups & projects/ things to help you embrace Winter and need your help!! What gets you loving Winter?

xoxo,

lauren

23 comments:

Erin {House of Turquoise} said...

I don't have any ideas for you! But I love winter and agree that it's going by quickly this year. I really liked this post though. The pictures, everything you said. What a great reminder! :)

Haven and Home said...

I am ready for the spring too, I am not a winter person. My spring cleaning list is getting longer and longer by the second!

Living the life in The Little City said...

I love the winter landscape. Seeing the structure of the trees, the shrubs, the dormant ornamental grasses. For some reason, I find the winter landscape very liberating. (That might be because I have a big yard to take care of in the summer - not so liberating!)

The Steel Magnolia House said...

I always have to remind myself to live in the moment and when I do I feel so at peace. It's so nice.
I hate winter! oh no, i do not like cold weather at all. the 3 yr stint we had in boston while hubster was in law school was more than enough for me. :) god bless you for getting through it. S.A.D is real!

My Notting Hill said...

Lovely post - and the quotes were wonderful. I had a college roommate who at the end of Feb started putting on Hawaiin Tropic suntan lotion as her moisturizer. It always gave her a boost - especially since our Syracuse NY winters often dragged into early April!

Dianne said...

I love winter. This time after the holidays and before spring is a gift. It's time to be "still". We all need some of that. Relish it!

Brooke @ Blueprint Bliss said...

This time of year (in between seasons) I find myself preparing for spring. I start getting ready for spring cleaning and actually start on different parts of it... esp cleaning out my closet b/c the consignment store starts taking clothes in February/March for spring and summer. This past weekend the husband and I had a yard weekend- cleaning it up, raking, etc- just to get it ready for a spring work day!

Windlost said...

Lauren, those are some very positive and sensible thoughts. If we would all spend a little more time in the present wonderfulness, it would make life a lot easier. I constantly worry about the future and sometimes realize that I am wishing my life away when the present moment is perfect. reading a lot of Buddhism and Eckart Tolle helps too. They have a great perspective on the moment, on our ego's, on what really matters.

Sometimes I take a computer-free day and that helps too. So much time suddenly opens up....


Great post (and you are so cute pregnant!).
xox

DesignTies said...

Absolutely lovely post, Lauren!
I'm always been a planning-type chickie... always anticipating tomorrow and wanting things to happen NOW. My husband, however, is a laid-back kinda guy - not quick to make a decision and content to let the world bump around him. I can't tell you how many times I've come to him all flustered (or excited) about some plan I have only for him to somehow (??? really, I don't know how he does it!) slow me down... I find myself thinking, "this can wait". I love it! A little of his ways have rubbed off on me, but of course I'll always keep one foot in tomorrow!
As for things I like to do in the winter... sitting by my fire and reading a book!

Anonymous said...

that baby pic is precious

MIMILEE said...

Hey Lauren!

Heard you on Blog Radio last night talking to Eddie! I did too...wasn't it fun??? I love your post today....such wonderful uplifting thoughts.....the quotes are wonderful too....thanks for sharing this! xoxo...Lee

Maria Killam said...

Lauren, I love your blog! That is such a great post. Look at you with your model figure with a little bump in the front!! I find January to be the worst month of the year, February (in Vancouver anyways) feels like spring already. Great images, I loved this post!

LindsB said...

Love this post! I'm totally a winter girl- I love everything about the winter- the snow, the cold, bundling up in winter jackets, etc. My favorite things in the winter is to cook comfort foods, curl up on the couch and catch up on some good reading, sharing a nice bottle of red wine with the BF, and watch movies. There always is spring cleaning, but I find winter the best time to dig into those storage closets and get things organized. My label maker has been getting a good workout lately in the pantry, linen closet, and my tool box.

I cant wait to see what you post on for what gets you loving winter.

xoxox

Simple Daisy said...

I am not at all a fan of winter...so, living here in the midwest...I always feel like I am wishing half my life away each year~ Lovely quotes that i'll have to give some thought to each day!!
Take care~

High-Heeled Foot in the door said...

I can't make up my mind on winter. When I wake up and there is a fresh blanket of snow on the ground untouch then I'm in love, but then with the slush, the grey dreary days, early night time. I totally get the blues.

I'm such a homebody so my favorite part of winter is getting to not feel guilty and enjoy a day at home with some baking and a ton of movies and just enjoying a lazy day.

Oh I'm so sad I totally missed the Eddie Ross radio show!

High-Heeled Foot in the door said...

Oh and you totally look adorable pregant and I love that Valentine's day shot of Christian. So cute!!!!

I hate not being able to blog till later in the day. Boo I feel like I'm so late for everything now.

sealaura said...

Hi Lauren,
Great post. I agree with you completely One of my biggest goals is to enjoy what is before me right now. It is not always easy but a great reminder.

LaurenFaythe said...

First of all, I just want to say I love your blog! It really gets me thinking!(ie. personal style, synesthesia...)

Anyway, what I love about Winter is that it is cozy and warm(inside). I love the days when we are stuck inside & the fireplace is on. No kids sports, not as many activities...

Anonymous said...

I've been thinking about spring lately too (even though it snowed two nights ago). One of my favorite things about winter is that it's the perfect time to snuggle under blankets in front of the fire, reading or watching favorite films while sipping hot chocolate.

Unknown said...

Such beautiful words...with equally beautiful pictures. I'll be coming back to this post and your next few, in six months time, when I'm getting sick of winter in Australia!
By the way, your little man with his doily angel wings is just so adorable.

Kristin Hughes Photography said...

Such a good reminder of how important it is to live in the present. Sometimes I feel like I am looking so far ahead that I dont enjoy the present as much I should/would.

P.S. I LOOOOOVE the picture of Christian in the cupid outfit. What a CUTIE!!

Pearl Maple said...

Followed your mr linky link and really enjoyed the visit to your blog space today.

Currently sitting here surrounded by boxes for a pending move and looking forward to gaining some inspiration on how to make a comfortable home at the new place.

No.35style said...

such good advice...live in the moment...what is that saying?? life happens while your making plans...so true.