Smell the What?

In our busy schedules these days very few of us will deviate from the norm.  We take the same route to work every day, have the same boring lunch, get the kids to activities, get the kids to bed, watch the same boring TV, and go to bed to then start the whole process over again in the morning.  Is this actually living?  Sure we are breathing, and functioning but isn’t life too short not to stop and smell the roses once and a while?

Now, I know that everyone is on a tight schedule and can’t be late for work. How many of us actually pay attention to where we are driving anyway?  We are so busy making phone calls, sending texts, checking facebook, thinking about what we are going to do about dinner, or daydreaming about the vacation that we probably won’t get again this year.   But, isn’t there a road that you always wanted to go down, just to see what’s there?  A store you always said you were wanted to check out?  There must be items on your bucket list that you would love to start crossing off.  Let’s face it, we’re not getting younger.

Well, there is no time like the present.  Make today the day!  Take a deep breath, look around.  You might just be surprised at what you see.  You will probably be surprised at what you smell as well.  Breathe deep enough to smell the slight scent of the dewy lilacs on the crisp spring morning.  Turn off the iPod long enough to hear nature’s music.  Put down the phone while you are driving and look around.  Even though you take the same route every day, you might be pleasantly pleased with what you actually see when you take the time to look. 

I know I sound like a crazy lunatic ranting and raving about the beauty of the world.  But it is beautiful and not many of us realize how beautiful it is.  That is why I strive every day to do one thing that I’ve never done before.  I might take that side road on the way home, go in the new restaurant for lunch, plan a trip to far off lands, or hike the trail that scares me a little.  

I dare you to try something new today.  You won’t be sorry!  Or, maybe you will be, but you won’t know until you try and at least you took the chance.  Start chipping away at that bucket list.  Sleep with your window open so the song birds can be your alarm clock.  

 Breathe. Look.  Love.  Laugh.  Live!