Have you ever been told you should stop and smell the roses? Just because you do, does that mean you are really appreciate the rose or your present environment? I often try to take time to stop and look around at where I am and try to soak it all in, but do I truly appreciate my surroundings? At times I enjoy sitting inside the RV watching the scenery around us from the comfort of our home, but then I am only admiring my view through a single sense of sight. I still appreciate the beauty of the scenery. If I sit outside then I feel the warm air on my face and skin, I can smell the environment, and hear nature’s sounds in addition to admiring its beauty. I guess it is better to sit outside to enjoy nature because then I use four out of my five senses rather than just one. Sometimes it is just nice to be cool and bug-free, but that is also part of where I am at the moment.
Comparing a new to an old situation can also bring the awesomeness of a new place to life. By identifying why somewhere new makes you happy compared to somewhere else is another way to value a new and different experience. Taking a walk on a quiet path is nice and relaxing compared to the hustle and bustle of big city, stressful and crowded traffic. However, someone else might enjoy the energy of the big city, its entertainment opportunities and modern conveniences compared to the simple, quiet and simple life on a rural farm. I guess each of us has to determine what is important to us, what we prefer, and then strive to find it out there in the world. We will know and appreciate our current position if we learn what we do and do not like. We will find true appreciation by taking the time to recognize if we are happy and by comparing it to what makes us unhappy elsewhere.
Focusing on feeling my five senses and comparing pleasurable experiences to those less so will hopefully help me to fully appreciate this fortunate time in my life exploring the country, meeting new people, seeing new places, and spending precious moments with my family. I worry about time getting away from me since there is no way to stop or slow it down and I have not known how to fully appreciate just being in each place we visit. It seems I really do need to stop and smell the roses, and then look, listen, feel everything around me. Then, I need to compare it to what I do not like elsewhere to fully appreciate of this amazing opportunity.
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