I have been feeling especially sad and even a little depressed lately. In response, I have been focusing on inviting more of the things that support joy and nurturing in my life, such as exercise, fun, and time with loved ones. Similarly, I’ve been decreasing the things that tend to create greater dis-ease, such as refined sugar and lack of sleep.

Through this process a theme has erupted: Savor the small things.

And so I have! Here are a few of my favorite moments this past month…

About two months ago, we adopted a dog from a local shelter that we named Willow. She joined our bustling household of two humans and two cats. As you can likely imagine, there were some tense moments at first!

Then the other day, Willow was in my lap and our oldest cat, Maddie, jumped up to join us. Within a few minutes, she sprawled out so that half of her was on me and the other half on Willow. Willow raised her head to see what was happening, then put her head down again, completely at ease. The two of them slept together peacefully while I sat in awe and inspiration, my heart melting.

A few weeks ago, we visited our 9-month-old grandson, River, and enjoyed a short visit that was filled with snuggling, playing, and smelling. For those of you who have ever smelled a baby’s head, you know just what I mean! That sweet, comforting smell like freshly cut hay, is both nourishing to receive and, by its very wonderfulness, invites us to nurture.

Finally, we recently had a few friends over for dinner and we laughed and laughed… good belly laughs that did not include even a smidgen of shame or temptation to hold back. It felt literally and utterly healing to me.

I hope you are finding moments in your life that you can savor. Moments that remind you that you matter and that you are loved.

In this very moment as I write this, I send you love and warmth…