I took five minutes to give my dog a proper doggy massage after her bath today. She was so happy all stretched out and zen. So cute. She’s 91 in dog years. Those old muscles loved the extra TLC.
I have many of those non-memory memories you mentioned at the beginning of this post. Now, many years later, I decided that I do not want life to just happen to me, I want to grab those experiences, especially the sensory pleasures you speak of. I have started planning 3 adventures every quarter in an effort to maintain a spark. I have also committed to asking someone to lunch once a month. It sounds simple, but it's working! Writing is such a solitary pursuit, these simple things help me make sure I'm still creating new memories. Thanks for all the ideas you presented here and the reminder to savor it all❣️
I think that the idea that life just happened to me for multiple decades may have been the impetus behind writing this piece. No way, no how, am I going to let that go on for one more minute! I love the idea of 3 adventures a quarter! I am trying to do a weekly artist's date and that's too much, I never make it work. But I bet I can do three a quarter!
And you're so right about needing to seek the memories out when you choose a life of solitude. It's a paradox I think about all the time. I need the quiet to get my work done, but if I spend all my time in that solitude, I have no adventures to write about!
My dogs are my daily reminder to be present. The rule is, I have to tell them each a highlight of my day with them when I go to bed. It encourages me to make a moment during the day—or at least to reflect on a simple moment before the day’s over.
I loved this! I have actively been trying to be more aware of the small moments in my life and be more present. I am in Prague (atm) and sat outside tonight just staring in awe of the sky over this beautiful city. And yes it’s cold but gosh it was too beautiful to miss ❤️
Also, I should add that I because 1000x more mindful after adopting my dog during the pandemic. I'm out enjoying nature every single day because of her ❤️
That's the cherry on top of adopting a pet! Now, if only I could get my cat to wear her harness and leash. I put it on her and she just flops over and pretends she can't walk. 🤣
Oh yes. What's even better is if I open the door, her desire to be outside eventually trumps the point she's trying to make about disliking her harness and suddenly, miraculously, she can walk again 🙄
I saw something recently that I was going to do, but forgot - it's inline with this post - She said everyday she is writing one thing on her calendar she is grateful for or that was special about the day...
This is how I spend the first five waking moments of each day. Dezi comes to sit by my bed with her back to me and collects her daily massage every morning at 730. Simple pleasures in the mundane moments.
That's an insightful take on the violinist. A lot of people use it as a lesson to go where we're valued (as opposed to where we're devalued), but you're right, it's also a lesson in mindfulness.
I too have got a lot of hustle culture conditioning to unlearn. Maybe that's why I enjoy your newsletters. 😁 Also, the story of the violinist is also used to inspire people whose families or friends devalue them.
Oh, when you said "go where we're valued" I assumed that meant by the people who might find value in our work. I'd be curious to read about the story being used to illustrate that perspective. The link isn't immediately obvious to me 🤔
I only have one life, and when I'm dead I won't be able to check my smartphone, so it's important I do it as much as possible now. (But in all seriousness, yes to everything you've said here)
This post really resonated with me and I loved this line especially: "Most of us pollute our day-to-day experiences with excessive distraction and overstimulation, and it drastically reduces our ability to slow time and record, or “mark” our memories."
I have recently taken action to change this about myself. And I just published a post about the importance of laughter!
Did you know that kids laugh 400 times a day on average, but adults only 15 times?
I have actually heard that before, but it is such an important statistic that needs to be shared far and wide! I’m so glad there are so many of us on this journey to pursue joy and reclaim the art of just being. Thank you for your comments; I’m really pleased this piece resonated for you.
Jennie, I love the way you describe the power of slowing down and truly noticing the beauty around us. But I have to say—I think you might be meditating without even realizing it.
As a former yoga and meditation teacher, I used to see this all the time—people get caught up in whether they’re meditating “right,” when in reality, there are so many ways to meditate. In my training alone, I learned at least 20 different techniques, all aimed at the same thing: quieting the monkey mind and focusing on one thing to remain present and experience the space between the thoughts.
Meditation isn’t just sitting in stillness—it’s being fully in the moment. That feeling you describe, of pausing to smell the roses, of noticing the way the light hits the Jacaranda blooms—that is meditation. Presence is the practice.
So maybe you don’t need to eat scorpions on toast after all. You’re already doing it. Bravo! 👏
Ha! You are the second person to come in to the comments and say this to me and I LOVE it. I realized (like literally two weeks ago) that maybe I’ve been going about it all wrong, insisting I had to “carve out time” or successfully quiet my mind (which has NEVER happened). I realized that maybe all these singular moments I keep going on about being so fulfillment-inducing are a form of meditation. And maybe I can let that be enough.
Thank you so much for sharing this because it confirms that I’m headed in the right direction!
The fact that this realization clicked for you recently means you’re already shifting into a space of self-trust and ease. No forcing, no “getting it right”—just letting yourself BE in the experience.
I love that this resonated with you, and I’m so glad you’re embracing it! Keep following that feeling—it sounds like you’re exactly where you need to be.
…for someone that would rather eat scorpions on toast than meditate, you share are using the meditation technique.
People get too over structured on what meditation is. The purpose of meditation is to out of chaos mind, slow down and be in the moment. But I love the approach you have with this.
What a timely comment! In the last two weeks, I have realized that my aversion to "proper" meditation is that I am viewing it as a competition against myself to do it "right." I'm now on a quest to find a way to incorporate a different "style" of meditation into my days, so I could absolutely kiss you for drawing this link. Thank you!!
You’re welcome! It’s one of my goals to help our mind de colonize meditation… to remember what the purpose of meditation is not the expectation if that makes sense. I’m so glad that you could draw that connection!
You get me. I'm always tuning into the beauty around me, hence the name of my publication, Distracted by Pretty Things. And I do not regret one moment of not filming/documenting every little moment of my kids' lives because I know I was fully, wonderfully present. What a gift I gave myself.
That is the BEST quote. "And I do not regret one moment of not filming/documenting every little moment of my kids' lives because I know I was fully, wonderfully present."
Everyone needs to hear this message! Especially the people who film a concert lol 🙄
I love this! I have 2 horses, and that means I'm outside every day. Some of my favorite moments were times when I begrudgingly went out to do chores, and saw some of the most beautiful landscapes because of it. Amazing sunrises. Wild skies before a storm. Rainbows. Geese in the mist on the pond. Glittering snowflakes. Hoar frost. Bald eagles wheeling on the thermals. Tiny frogs. Peepers singing in the dark. Lightening bugs.
I took five minutes to give my dog a proper doggy massage after her bath today. She was so happy all stretched out and zen. So cute. She’s 91 in dog years. Those old muscles loved the extra TLC.
Awww she looks great for 91 🤣🤣🤣
Those are truly the best moments, though. 🥰
I have many of those non-memory memories you mentioned at the beginning of this post. Now, many years later, I decided that I do not want life to just happen to me, I want to grab those experiences, especially the sensory pleasures you speak of. I have started planning 3 adventures every quarter in an effort to maintain a spark. I have also committed to asking someone to lunch once a month. It sounds simple, but it's working! Writing is such a solitary pursuit, these simple things help me make sure I'm still creating new memories. Thanks for all the ideas you presented here and the reminder to savor it all❣️
I think that the idea that life just happened to me for multiple decades may have been the impetus behind writing this piece. No way, no how, am I going to let that go on for one more minute! I love the idea of 3 adventures a quarter! I am trying to do a weekly artist's date and that's too much, I never make it work. But I bet I can do three a quarter!
And you're so right about needing to seek the memories out when you choose a life of solitude. It's a paradox I think about all the time. I need the quiet to get my work done, but if I spend all my time in that solitude, I have no adventures to write about!
My dogs are my daily reminder to be present. The rule is, I have to tell them each a highlight of my day with them when I go to bed. It encourages me to make a moment during the day—or at least to reflect on a simple moment before the day’s over.
Zach, I love this 😊 I have many conversations with Dezi throughout the day, too. And they all end with me telling her she's the best ❤️
Same, except I end up asking her how she got so beautiful and soft 🤣
This is too adorable 🥰
I loved this! I have actively been trying to be more aware of the small moments in my life and be more present. I am in Prague (atm) and sat outside tonight just staring in awe of the sky over this beautiful city. And yes it’s cold but gosh it was too beautiful to miss ❤️
Ohhh I've never been to Prague but I hear it's GORGEOUS, so this is #lifegoals right here. Soak it all in, Ashley 🩵
Also, I should add that I because 1000x more mindful after adopting my dog during the pandemic. I'm out enjoying nature every single day because of her ❤️
That's the cherry on top of adopting a pet! Now, if only I could get my cat to wear her harness and leash. I put it on her and she just flops over and pretends she can't walk. 🤣
How dramatic 😂
Oh yes. What's even better is if I open the door, her desire to be outside eventually trumps the point she's trying to make about disliking her harness and suddenly, miraculously, she can walk again 🙄
That's 😂 😃 😄 hilarious
It's pretty over the top 🤣
I saw something recently that I was going to do, but forgot - it's inline with this post - She said everyday she is writing one thing on her calendar she is grateful for or that was special about the day...
Well, if this post helped you remember that fabulous idea, then I consider it a win!
oh for sure it’s a win!! I love what you’re doing over here Jennie - just sayin…
I was scratching my dog behind the ears and just sat there enjoying the moment, concentrating on nothing but him. We were both relaxed.
Pets are the best reminder to just BE and soak in all the love.
100%
This is how I spend the first five waking moments of each day. Dezi comes to sit by my bed with her back to me and collects her daily massage every morning at 730. Simple pleasures in the mundane moments.
Yep, just like my brushing ritual with Hecate. Best part of my day!
That's an insightful take on the violinist. A lot of people use it as a lesson to go where we're valued (as opposed to where we're devalued), but you're right, it's also a lesson in mindfulness.
It was jarring for me, because I suspect I would've rushed right by. I've still got a lot of hustle culture conditioning to unlearn.
You're right though, it does speak to the importance of meeting your audience where they are, which might not be in the subway 😉
I too have got a lot of hustle culture conditioning to unlearn. Maybe that's why I enjoy your newsletters. 😁 Also, the story of the violinist is also used to inspire people whose families or friends devalue them.
Oh, when you said "go where we're valued" I assumed that meant by the people who might find value in our work. I'd be curious to read about the story being used to illustrate that perspective. The link isn't immediately obvious to me 🤔
I only have one life, and when I'm dead I won't be able to check my smartphone, so it's important I do it as much as possible now. (But in all seriousness, yes to everything you've said here)
Hahaha we all have our priorities :)
This post really resonated with me and I loved this line especially: "Most of us pollute our day-to-day experiences with excessive distraction and overstimulation, and it drastically reduces our ability to slow time and record, or “mark” our memories."
I have recently taken action to change this about myself. And I just published a post about the importance of laughter!
Did you know that kids laugh 400 times a day on average, but adults only 15 times?
I have actually heard that before, but it is such an important statistic that needs to be shared far and wide! I’m so glad there are so many of us on this journey to pursue joy and reclaim the art of just being. Thank you for your comments; I’m really pleased this piece resonated for you.
Jennie, I love the way you describe the power of slowing down and truly noticing the beauty around us. But I have to say—I think you might be meditating without even realizing it.
As a former yoga and meditation teacher, I used to see this all the time—people get caught up in whether they’re meditating “right,” when in reality, there are so many ways to meditate. In my training alone, I learned at least 20 different techniques, all aimed at the same thing: quieting the monkey mind and focusing on one thing to remain present and experience the space between the thoughts.
Meditation isn’t just sitting in stillness—it’s being fully in the moment. That feeling you describe, of pausing to smell the roses, of noticing the way the light hits the Jacaranda blooms—that is meditation. Presence is the practice.
So maybe you don’t need to eat scorpions on toast after all. You’re already doing it. Bravo! 👏
Ha! You are the second person to come in to the comments and say this to me and I LOVE it. I realized (like literally two weeks ago) that maybe I’ve been going about it all wrong, insisting I had to “carve out time” or successfully quiet my mind (which has NEVER happened). I realized that maybe all these singular moments I keep going on about being so fulfillment-inducing are a form of meditation. And maybe I can let that be enough.
Thank you so much for sharing this because it confirms that I’m headed in the right direction!
The fact that this realization clicked for you recently means you’re already shifting into a space of self-trust and ease. No forcing, no “getting it right”—just letting yourself BE in the experience.
I love that this resonated with you, and I’m so glad you’re embracing it! Keep following that feeling—it sounds like you’re exactly where you need to be.
…for someone that would rather eat scorpions on toast than meditate, you share are using the meditation technique.
People get too over structured on what meditation is. The purpose of meditation is to out of chaos mind, slow down and be in the moment. But I love the approach you have with this.
What a timely comment! In the last two weeks, I have realized that my aversion to "proper" meditation is that I am viewing it as a competition against myself to do it "right." I'm now on a quest to find a way to incorporate a different "style" of meditation into my days, so I could absolutely kiss you for drawing this link. Thank you!!
You’re welcome! It’s one of my goals to help our mind de colonize meditation… to remember what the purpose of meditation is not the expectation if that makes sense. I’m so glad that you could draw that connection!
What a fabulous goal! I subscribed so I can follow the journey!
Wow thank you! I really appreciate it!
Great piece filled with inspiration 💯🌺
Aww thank you. Glad it resonated :)
You get me. I'm always tuning into the beauty around me, hence the name of my publication, Distracted by Pretty Things. And I do not regret one moment of not filming/documenting every little moment of my kids' lives because I know I was fully, wonderfully present. What a gift I gave myself.
That is the BEST quote. "And I do not regret one moment of not filming/documenting every little moment of my kids' lives because I know I was fully, wonderfully present."
Everyone needs to hear this message! Especially the people who film a concert lol 🙄
Yes! I never understand this. It sooo takes away from the actual experience to be looking through a little screen.
I love this! I have 2 horses, and that means I'm outside every day. Some of my favorite moments were times when I begrudgingly went out to do chores, and saw some of the most beautiful landscapes because of it. Amazing sunrises. Wild skies before a storm. Rainbows. Geese in the mist on the pond. Glittering snowflakes. Hoar frost. Bald eagles wheeling on the thermals. Tiny frogs. Peepers singing in the dark. Lightening bugs.
OMG I looooove this so much and would give ANYTHING to be out there in the pre-dawn silence with you. It sounds positively magical 😍😍😍
It is magical. Dragging myself out of bed is not 🤣 but yeah once I'm there, it's amazing.
My cat purring in my lap fills me with calm and joy.
Agreed. It's one of my favorite things :)