To Treasure

This word recently floated into my head while journaling and now I can’t get it out of my head. I roll it around in my mind and when I do that I get all kinds of warm and fuzzy feelings. 

Treasure

Treasure

T.r.e.a.s.u.r.e.

When was the last time I treasured something? I mean, truly treasured?

Until recently, I honestly didn’t have an answer. But now, when I consider that word and how I believe the experience of treasuring something would make me feel, I can’t help but think I will likely treasure everything. So far, it’s been quite magical.

Instead of shoving moderately tasty cookies in my mouth just waiting for one bite to actually taste good, I buy the decadently sweet ones and sit with my eyes closed, and revel in each bite. If I’m going to pack on the calories, shouldn’t it be for something that’s worth it??

Instead of turning on the TV to fill up the silence, I either turn on music or surrender to the quiet. I can’t believe I let some of my best thoughts compete with some dumb television show. I have a lot of thinking to make up for…

Instead of waiting for someone to quit talking so I can be heard, I hang on to every word coming from their mouth. When someone decides that your level of importance to them is such that they willingly take the time and energy to share something that is meaningful to them, the most respectful and loving thing you can do is listen with undivided attention. I have a lot of listening to make up for…

Rather than squeezing in a quick hike while shoving earbuds in my ears and turning on the noise of someone else’s thoughts to invade my head, during which I check my FitBit every few minutes so I can get my burned calories in for the day, I choose Mother Nature. I leave the buds and the Bit at home and opt for an eyes and ears-wide-open walk that stimulates my body, mind, and soul. I’ve realized that taking the time to acknowledge the vast magnificence of everything in the world is most certainly not a bad way to spend time if I do say so myself.

I don’t just want to spend time with people and do the things I want and need to do. I want to treasure my people. I want to treasure my experiences. I want to be able to recollect something and treasure my senses as they come alive in my moment of remembrance. I want to feel, taste, hear, smell, and see exactly what I felt, tasted, heard, smelled, and saw for the first time.  

I’ve decided to approach life in any other way is to allow it to just speed right by while I miss all the best bits. *tsk-tsk* I can do better than that. 

“I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don’t notice it.” —quote from The Color Purple, by Alice Walker.

^^ ‘Nuff said.

. . . . .

If you’re ready to begin learning how to treasure yourself, reach out. I can help with that.