Recently I have been looking for ways to be more mindful in my
life with the purpose of reducing stress and finding that elusive
balance between work and home. What I have learned 
so far is to seize the
moment. When I find myself having thoughts of "I wish I could", "If
only I had time to…" I notice these thoughts and acknowledge I make
choices about my how I spend my time. Usually, the thoughts are
about things that are important to me like, "If only I had more
time to…: help my family eat healthy, had more time to myself, do
something fun with my family in nature. Often, I realize all I have
to do is pause and spend small amounts of time planning or acting.
In the last week, I have been able to get on line 
to quickly research a
couple recipies and adding ingredients to a shopping list, sign up
for an exercise class near my workplace, and go to the local
botanical garden to see the dinosaur exhibit that is in town (I
love flowers and my son loves dinosaurs- a win/win).
I don't think I am alone in feeling overwhelmed by passions that
bring about long to do lists which then can bring let down when
they aren't accomplished.
Often I dream of having an award
winning flower garden in my backyard. When I look out my back
window I am quickly reminded of reality-a couple of really
beautiful plants in the midst of a sprawling yard that needs
help.
Now that my son is almost five years old I am finding the time
to once again pursue my passion for flower appreciation and
gardening. The appreciation part is what is easy to in five minutes
when I find myself 
longing for a day out in
the garden planting beautiful flowers. Luckily, I had the chance 5
years ago to plant some beautiful flowers that come back year after
year. Every spring they bloom - some springs I have completely
missed the blooms. This year, I made sure to savor the beauty - 10
minutes of snapping photos and now I have photos to
remind me daily.
Today, while we were at the botanical garden I was able to take
some pictures and think about which iris I want to plant this
fall.
Another small step of intention to do
what is important. I am happier when I do something, no matter how
small, that brings more of what is important to me in my life.
