My Favorite Things

Spending a few minutes to myself, appreciating the little pleasures in life, just slowing down are baby steps I have taken towards mindful living.

We are the masters of our fate and I am slowly learning to take charge.
Here are five of my favourite things.

Freshly brewed coffee
I have been told to start the day before coffee! Or even QUIT coffee!!
But the whiff of coffee awakens my senses and gets me started on everything else for the day.
The first hot sip, with that hint of ginger brings a smile even on those gloomy mornings.

The first rays of the sun
I am a morning person or I try to be.
Stepping out at dawn, when I see the sun playing hide and seek with the dense jackfruit tree signals to me it's time to get ready.
The sun rays through the thin curtains, lightening up the whole house slowly, tells me everything will be alright

Skincare
I rely on natural products for my face and body.
As much as I love the fragrance of store bought creams, nothing comes close to essential and basic oils found in my kitchen.
After my relaxed cup of coffee, I use a drop of oil- coconut, olive, sesame or almond to massage through my face.
Just the gentle touch of my fingers on my skin, reminds me of how important I am.
I love the feel of oil on my body as I massage it through.
This keeps me feeling good through the day,
If I miss a day because of a rushed morning, I feel stressed, my face and skin feel taut missing the love.

Fresh Sheets
Nothing like fresh sheets for a good night's sleep
I may not sleep on 400TC sheets, the ones I use are well used and comforting.
Yet the feel of a well made bed and clean sheets relax me and bring in a cosy feel.
Every weekend is a team activity with my daughters as the mattress is given a good brushing, the pillows a soft fluffing!!
Music plays and laughter mingles!

Water
It is a miracle drink.
Start the day and end it with a glass of water.
When I have my quota of 2 litres at work, I feel nourished.
If I have skipped on refilling my bottle, the lack of hydration shows up as cramps, dry skin, migraines.
A hard lesson to learn, water is now part of my religion!

There are so many more such pleasures we can enjoy, if only we stop to smell the roses.