I walk differently now

My life has changed in so many ways to what it was even ten years ago.   I was working and juggling a business.  I seemed to always be on the go and in a rush.  I would be full speed from one appointment to the next, rushing to make deadlines, rushing to a meeting, rushing home, rushing, rushing, rushing.  There was no time to stop, look around and smell the roses. 
When my business closed due to COVID, I was spending more time creatively; I was less rushed.  I slowed down and adjusted my thinking, my speed, and my entire outlook. 

I started to stop and smell the roses, take in the scents that surrounded me, the colours that engulfed my views, the shapes that danced in front of my eyes.  I started to see the world from the artist's eyes. 

Where I teach art classes, one of the participants said to me recently, "I walk differently now".   She went on and explained, I now really see the sunset or sunrise, I now look at a tree and see the gnarly bark and twigs, I see the different greens in the grass.   I understand what she was sharing, as I experienced the same when I started to slow down and invest in my creative experiences.

I do walk differently, my eyes are open to the wonders that surround us every day. The ever-changing colours in the sky, the earth, grass and vegetation.  The shapes in buildings, fences,  nature, and structures.  

Suddenly, everything took on a new meaning, new excitement and new opportunities. My walk was mindful and I was in the moment, experiencing the delights  I had rushed past for so long.
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Do you enjoy walking, have you slowed down to stop and smell the roses?  How does it make you feel?  Drop a comment below and share your story.

Photo:  Rose from our garden

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