No one says to wake up and touch, or see, or taste or hear the roses. They say to wake up and smell the roses. Because scent makes us feel like nothing else can.
There are two fragrances that always inspire me to not only recapture the greatest moments of my life, but also inspire me to live every day to the fullest. I never again want to take anything for granted. I get weak in the knees from the smell of fresh, clean laundry. And the wonderful aroma of freshly baked bread, sends me into a salivary tailspin.
Today's post is dedicated to our sense of smell and how magnificent and all-encompassing it really is. How it can shift us back to 'days of old', or magically propel us into a state of bliss and ecstasy, is beyond awesome.
And what about pheromones?
Do you remember the last time you hugged someone who smelled SO GOOD, it sent your brain into a tizzy? When I was a little girl and my father would come home from work every night, I'd hug him tightly and get a whiff of his cologne. It was so comforting and I felt utterly safe. And whenever he wears a specific fragrance, I'm sent right back to my childhood, in seconds.
Similarly, within the first few months of dating my husband, I really felt like I was home. I can't put it into words, but I simply had this unmistakable sensation that came over me; one that I couldn't argue with. I felt tranquil and cozy and I wanted to harness that feeling, forever.
Smell the roses.
If I could advise anyone in my circles to take more time to enjoy life and the tremendous gifts it offers and not work so damn hard, believe you me, I would. But one of my gal pals from high school said it best this morning: "People here are so sterile, it's all about work, work, work, pay your mortgage, buy a house, buy a car, sleep, and fill your time with mundane routines." Wow. Spot on. We have become so conditioned to think that acquiring more 'stuff' translates to more happiness and success. Dead wrong.
I cannot wait for the introduction of spring weather in Toronto because for me it signifies getting outside and exploring my city. I make complete use my eyes, my ears, my nose, my mouth and my body to experience the goodness of the world around me. The word boring has absolutely no place in my life. And when I hear other people uttering the word, it makes me irate.
Hesitate no longer and heed my words: Make every effort to step away from your laptops, cellphones, iPods, and video game consoles and get out there and use your nose. Soak up every ounce of glory and amazement that you can. Breathe in luxury.
Because if you don't, you'll lie on your deathbed one day and experience major regret. Make no mistake about that. Starting today, build more playtime into your schedules and develop less of a 'nose to the grindstone' mentality, in your work routines.
DO NOT LET LIFE PASS YOU BY.
Sunday 9 February 2014
Sunday 2 February 2014
I'm in a VINTAGE state of mind...
Toronto has had a really harsh winter, thus far. From the incredible ice storm in December, to the bone-chilling temperatures that regularly plummeted below -30, the city hasn't seen a deep freeze like this in many decades. But, I believe these frigid conditions have really tested our patience as a species, as well as our fortitude and our resilience. I'm sure we were all shocked to know that it was colder in Canada than it was in the Arctic...
Weather like this makes people irate, impatient, depressed and cranky. After weeks of covering up every exposed part of the body, one gets tired of the monotony of it all. Even on a cold day when the sun is actually shining bright, moods tend to improve slightly and slowly, hope is regained. The approach of spring starts to become an exciting prospect, and we all look forward to March because it's one month closer to warmer weather and the birth of budding flowers.
More snow has fallen in Toronto in the last 24 hours, creating another thick blanket of insulation for our city. And February has only just begun. In the past, I have always viewed February as the final barrier to the introduction of balmier days, but for some reason, the time always seems to inch by so slowly. The lack of sunlight always wreaks havoc on one's well-being.
And thus, the purpose for writing this post:
I've always believed that there must be a fine balance between one's work, play and other obligations. But, what about the really simple things in life? Remember what it used to feel like to write a letter by putting pen to paper? Remember the last time you used a typewriter? Remember when reading a book curled up on a comfy chair was something you actually made time for in your busy schedule? Remember when using a hula-hoop or playing hopscotch was part of your play time? Remember participating in team sports with your buddies just for the hell of it?
These are just a few examples of what I consider simplicity at its finest. Regardless of age, we can go right back to these activities of yesteryear. In my humble opinion, I consider them 'vintage' and quite frankly, they've never gone out of style.
My husband has it right; recently, he purchased a refurbished 1974 stereo system, with a turntable, receiver, and speakers. He has made buying vinyl records a new hobby, and he has truly honed in on a 'vintage' style of living. His childlike excitement with his newfound passion is something to behold.
It has started to make me consider what I can reintroduce into my life. In my work, I have already begun to bring back a series of 'tried and true' fitness programs from the 80's (thanks to Jane Fonda). But, in my spare time, I'd really like to whip out a hula-hoop and see how long I can swivel my hips for. Then, I'd like to take out some chalk and draw a hopscotch board on my driveway and pretend like I'm 6, all over again. Why the heck not?
What's stopping you from doing something that used to give you so much joy, as a child? NOTHING.
Not enough time? Bull. Not enough guts? Total crap. All you need is to take any doubts or insecurities you have about a certain task, and simply follow through. You may even get some onlookers. And that shouldn't be what intimidates you. You may even start a trend.
Last summer while reading in my backyard, I turned on my classic rock music and instantly became inspired to get up and dance. People in my neighborhood saw me. Some of them were gathered on their balconies to watch me. And it was the best feeling in the world. I was doing something spontaneous for ME, and apparently, it was contagious. People were smiling because of my outpouring of energy.
Ask yourself what makes you feel free. It shouldn't involve anyone else in your family or friendship circles--this is just for your benefit and enjoyment. Pick a 'vintage' hobby or activity, and start up your engine. It may take a while to warm up, but I promise that once you begin, it'll feel amazing.
You owe it to yourself to enter a 'vintage' state of mind, every now and again. What a way to clear the 'grey matter' and get back to your roots. Go ahead and write that letter. Get involved in an activity you've left on the 'back burner' for way too long. Pick up that novel, grab a cup of tea, and savor your time alone as you lose yourself in a story. And above all, leave all of your technology alone--it'll be there when you get back from your trip.
PEACE!
Weather like this makes people irate, impatient, depressed and cranky. After weeks of covering up every exposed part of the body, one gets tired of the monotony of it all. Even on a cold day when the sun is actually shining bright, moods tend to improve slightly and slowly, hope is regained. The approach of spring starts to become an exciting prospect, and we all look forward to March because it's one month closer to warmer weather and the birth of budding flowers.
More snow has fallen in Toronto in the last 24 hours, creating another thick blanket of insulation for our city. And February has only just begun. In the past, I have always viewed February as the final barrier to the introduction of balmier days, but for some reason, the time always seems to inch by so slowly. The lack of sunlight always wreaks havoc on one's well-being.
And thus, the purpose for writing this post:
I've always believed that there must be a fine balance between one's work, play and other obligations. But, what about the really simple things in life? Remember what it used to feel like to write a letter by putting pen to paper? Remember the last time you used a typewriter? Remember when reading a book curled up on a comfy chair was something you actually made time for in your busy schedule? Remember when using a hula-hoop or playing hopscotch was part of your play time? Remember participating in team sports with your buddies just for the hell of it?
These are just a few examples of what I consider simplicity at its finest. Regardless of age, we can go right back to these activities of yesteryear. In my humble opinion, I consider them 'vintage' and quite frankly, they've never gone out of style.
My husband has it right; recently, he purchased a refurbished 1974 stereo system, with a turntable, receiver, and speakers. He has made buying vinyl records a new hobby, and he has truly honed in on a 'vintage' style of living. His childlike excitement with his newfound passion is something to behold.
It has started to make me consider what I can reintroduce into my life. In my work, I have already begun to bring back a series of 'tried and true' fitness programs from the 80's (thanks to Jane Fonda). But, in my spare time, I'd really like to whip out a hula-hoop and see how long I can swivel my hips for. Then, I'd like to take out some chalk and draw a hopscotch board on my driveway and pretend like I'm 6, all over again. Why the heck not?
What's stopping you from doing something that used to give you so much joy, as a child? NOTHING.
Not enough time? Bull. Not enough guts? Total crap. All you need is to take any doubts or insecurities you have about a certain task, and simply follow through. You may even get some onlookers. And that shouldn't be what intimidates you. You may even start a trend.
Last summer while reading in my backyard, I turned on my classic rock music and instantly became inspired to get up and dance. People in my neighborhood saw me. Some of them were gathered on their balconies to watch me. And it was the best feeling in the world. I was doing something spontaneous for ME, and apparently, it was contagious. People were smiling because of my outpouring of energy.
Ask yourself what makes you feel free. It shouldn't involve anyone else in your family or friendship circles--this is just for your benefit and enjoyment. Pick a 'vintage' hobby or activity, and start up your engine. It may take a while to warm up, but I promise that once you begin, it'll feel amazing.
You owe it to yourself to enter a 'vintage' state of mind, every now and again. What a way to clear the 'grey matter' and get back to your roots. Go ahead and write that letter. Get involved in an activity you've left on the 'back burner' for way too long. Pick up that novel, grab a cup of tea, and savor your time alone as you lose yourself in a story. And above all, leave all of your technology alone--it'll be there when you get back from your trip.
PEACE!
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