Places to disconnect and reconnect
manuelita otero
The other day I went to visit a friend I hadn’t seen in some time and she excitedly showed me how they changed the landscape of their yard. They made an inviting space with two big wooden chairs surrounded by bright flowers. It was the perfect place to just sit and enjoy quiet time or time with friends. I told her how much I loved it and asked her if she ever used it. I don’t know why, but I thought she would tell me that she hasn’t had the time, but to my surprise she said that it’s their favorite part of the house and they sit there every night, sometimes just with her husband, other times neighbors come and join them. I was happy to hear that this beautiful space was being used and enjoyed, but I was also concerned about my assumption that it wasn’t. I think my quick decision was based on the fact that I know many people who have beautiful spaces and don’t take advantage of them. And I must admit I’m the first one on that list.
The older I get, or should I say, the wiser I get, I want to have what I need, but specially enjoy what I have. I feel anything else is unnecessary. Too much unneeded stuff distracts me, takes away my time, and stays unused when it could be given to someone else. Instead of having stuff I want to create memories and feel time stand still as I laugh with friends or have fun with my children. I live a busy life but I also like to live fully each moment.
My friend’s garden made me so happy because it’s an invitation to smell, taste, and feel the moment. We need more spaces like that, those that help us disconnect from everything that is pulling our attention and to connect to what really matters to us.
Do you have those spaces in your home? Can you think of a place that you love, but you haven’t visited lately because you “haven’t had the time”? Time is what we have right now, and we need to take advantage of it because someday we simply won’t be able to. The now is a gift, look around your home and find the places you enjoy the most and spend more time there, on your own, with your children, your pets or your whole family. It’s your time, it’s your space, enjoy it!
Manuelita @manuelitaotero