We flew to Portland, rented a car, and set out to see as much of the coast as we could in four and a half days. We drove more than 900 miles, from Oregon to Oakland (logging another 15 hours in the car), and we saw and did so many cool things.
It hit me then how much Life is like that. We can't go back; we can't return to an earlier time. NOW is the time to enjoy where we are, whatever our season in life. When things get a little chaotic (especially with school starting for the kids yesterday) I'm trying to remind myself of this - to enjoy where I am right now.
How do you make the most of where you are in life right now? What helps you find joy in the journey?
*Thanks to everybody who entered the contest last week! It was so much fun to read your answers about the cleanliness or absence of it in your cars and what bizarre things you've got stowed away in them. :) The winners are Sarah Forgrave and Rosslyn Elliott. Congrats ladies! I'll send along your prizes today.
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16 comments:
Whenever I see Tillamook I think of their great cheeses.
Loved that region when we lived out that way.
What helps me live in the now? Laughing helps most...finding something, anything to laugh at. Having fun.
~ Wendy
When I'm serving others, that satisfaction and joy gives me the boost I need to enjoy where I'm at.
Sometimes, I whine. :)
Looking for the positive of whatever situation...counting the blessings...don't always do that enough but that certainly helps me enjoy the moment now! Theres usually a lot of good things and a lot of blessings to count! Glad you had a neat trip!! :)
Wendy - I so agree! A good laugh makes all the difference.
Jessica - Thanks for the reminder about service - so true. And yeah, I've been known to whine too. :)
Jill - Yes! Counting my blessings, remembering what I'm grateful for helps me enjoy where I am in life.
I have this little note on my fridge that says - What's the Most Important Thing.
That helps me stay in the present.
I will admit that there have been times when a project wasted away days at a time whether writing or otherwise, but when there's something tangible at the end, even if it's just a sense of accomplishment, that's worth it too.
Jolene - I love that quote - what's the most important thing.
I try to just enjoy each day. Even when my kids are freaking out and fighting or whatever. This is such a wonderful time in my life. I have to cherish every moment. Even the bad ones. Kids grow up way too fast. You know? :)
Sounds like a great trip! The Pacific Coats has so much variety (I live in San Francisco, but enjoy every part of the Pacific Rim). Oregon has lots of great woodlands too:)
I love your pictures. Trips can be fun. The west coast is so gorgeous.
Chantele - Kids do grow up fast! I can't believe I've got two in school this year.
Mark - I loved all the various scenery - beaches, Redwoods, cliffs!
Donna - We had such a great time. I'm ready to go back. :)
Wow, You really are a traveling queen this summer, aren't you? :) The Pac NW is an area I haven't explored much...I've heard it's beautiful. And I like your takeaway too. A great reminder.
(Oh, and thanks for the prize!) :)
I LOVE that drive! So many memories- so many summers- so much of my childhood!
I really liked your analogy :)
Sarah - I'm definitely looking forward to not traveling anywhere for a few months, though it has been a great summer.
Shelly - I visited the coast in northern California as a kid, but it was fun to see so much more of it this time. So cool you've spent so much time there.
I think it helps to realize that you can never go back! And that my kids will never be this same age EVER AGAIN. (I try to make that be a thing to make me enjoy it more, not just scare me.)
Absolutely fantastic blog!!! Glad I found it! Love it!!!
Lola x
http://lola-x.blogspot.com
Peggy - I'm trying to remember that too - my kids won't be these ages for very long, and it really does have it's fun moments.
Lola - Thanks for stopping by!
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