the gift of simplicity…

Here we are. In the midst of all the hustle and bustle and list making and crowded stores and long lines and this is where I say to myself each year….

Whew. Come on Leslie, take a deep breath. And don’t do it. Don’t lose touch with what it’s all about.

You know. The reason for the Season.

But it’s really hard, isn’t it? We have to make a conscious effort to not get swept up in all the frenzied buying and great sales and the urgent pace of it all. And whoa, those expectations!

So when I read this interesting detail about happiness I thought I’d share it with you because I know you’re trying to slow down and stay grounded in the meaning of Christmas too.

I know… more research on happiness? Do we really need to be reminded of what we already know deep down?

Well I know I do, so here it is.

According to a study on happiness and wealth, spending our money on life experiences rather than on material possessions is what ultimately makes us happy. In other words, purchases that result in being with others and experiencing a social connection is what we should be focused on.

It’s the gift of simplicity.

And the gift of simplicity is one that focuses on The Experience. The gift of our time. The act of being together and creating a special memory. Which means that instead of buying another expensive, silver knick-knack for that someone who has everything, try buying movie or theater tickets for you to take them along. Buy a gift certificate at a cozy coffee shop that includes a trip to a bookstore with you. Or maybe a golf lesson for Grandpa and your son to experience together.

Are you getting the idea?

Instead of buying a ‘thing,’ try spending your money on doing something fun together with your person in mind….

Because in the end here’s the truth. Material possessions no matter how luxurious and desirable they are, depreciate over time. They lose their value as the days go by and the heady excitement of getting it, is soon replaced by wanting the next ‘special’ thing.

But our experiences are just the opposite. As we go through life our past experiences actually become larger in our minds. They transform into precious memories and unlike material possessions, our memories become more valuable to us as we grow older.

Have you noticed this?

Have you observed how an old memory becomes more meaningful to you over time? And how those once simple experiences are now filled with poignant details that leave you smiling years later?

Do you recognize the soft, tender feelings you experience when you reflect back to a special moment in your life, which usually involves another person?

When a feeling of warm, reminiscent love washes over you?

Well that’s It.

In the end

those are the ultimate gifts that matter.

And they have very little to do with a great sale price.

 

 

 

today I’m wishing you the gift of simplicity,

…of slowing down

…and cherishing the small moments

with the people in your life.

 

via

 

             If you liked this topic, you can read more about the myths of true happiness here.

 

 

xo

Leslie

I’m linking this post up with these friends:

http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/2013/12/open-house-blog-party_18.html?

http://elizabethandco.blogspot.com/2013/12/be-inspired-features-and-link-party-99.html

 

 

Technorati Tags: happiness,research on happiness and wealth,Christmas gift giving,what really matters,myths of happiness

My Christmas Wishes for YOU

Recently, I was up late at night decorating my banister and an old Cary Grant movie, To Catch a Thief, came on the television. I love those old classic movies and as I tied the garlands on the staircase and fiddled with the pinecones, this nostalgic ‘Hitchcock’ plot became a surprisingly enjoyable backdrop for these quiet hours.

unexpected contentment…

photos: christmastimeinthecity

I had the fire going strong in the fireplace and even though Jim was out of town and Michael was asleep, I felt incredibly content and captivated by my busy work.

These few, unexpected hours of contentment reminded me that happy moments can happen when we least expect them.

So here are some moments that I’m wishing for you …

some of my Christmas wishes for you in luscious shades of white…

I hope you have a chance to slow down and enjoy the beauty of all your Christmas decorations

Photo: Creative Culinary

And I hope you find time to have a decadent cocktail like this Smore-martini with a good friend, and “catch-up” on your busy lives.

I hope you have a chance to sit at a table with some wonderful listeners. And that the people are interesting and comfortable to be with… and that somebody says something funny or absurd that makes you laugh out loud.

I hope you find something small and lovely in your path today.

I hope you have an unexpected phone call or a visit from somebody…and that this visit triggers fond, sentimental memories that you had previously forgotten.

I hope you get a chance to sing Christmas carols, loud and off-key this season (even if it’s only in your car with the radio blasting).

I hope something magical and good happens to you or someone in your family. And that afterwards you shake your head and mutter to yourself, “I can’t believe that happened ..”

I hope you feel pure excitement about a gift that you chose for somebody on your list. And that they absolutely love what you picked out for them.

I hope you read the book, The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion because it will make you appreciate every single day that you have with your loved one…

I hope you take time to bake something during the holidays so that your kitchen smells sweet …

I hope you still feel that giggly, child-like excitement about Christmas morning.

I hope you get a chance to dance during these holidays…

and wear an outfit that makes you feel utterly sexy and fun.

I hope you dream about a white, blissful Christmas and in your dream, this day is everything you want it to be… and when you wake up, I hope that SAME, happy sensation stays with you all day long.

And finally, I hope that you know deep down in your heart, how truly unique and special you are in the world.

Have a great day, my friend!

photos: google images, christmastimeinthecity, country living, chrispotheringpinterest, cynthia garrett.typepad, loretablog.blogspot.com, polyvore.com, weheartit.com

 

 

Technorati Tags: holiday decorating,white