One Word – Simplify

Published on February 11, 2018April 27, 2019 by Gerri11 Comments

Simplify ……this has been my goal in life for oh, so many years. I crave simplicity …. in my home, in my mind, in all that I do.

I have an inherent belief that if I can simplify all aspects of my life. I’m not sure that this is truly possible as we live in an extremely complex world. However, it has been my goal for quite awhile now, so I will continue to strive for this. I believe that if I can truly simplify my life then I will find the peace and serenity that I truly desire. I believe that I’m not alone in this pursuit.

With my goal being to create a simple life, each day I begin with a vision of what this simple life will look like. For me, the first step is to start with my home. I want my home to be as clean, simple and clutter free as possible. I am currently going through every nook and cranny to eliminate any items that I no longer need or desire. I don’t want possessions to create complexity in my life. Clutter makes me anxious. So, I am striving to eliminate anything that restricts my idea of freedom and joy.

Another step in the process is how I spend my time. It’s important to me that my time is spent doing what brings me joy and satisfaction. As I go through this process, I have found that I am now eliminating activities that are not as meaningful to insure I have time for the activities that I most enjoy. Life is full of choices. It’s important to me to choose activities that bring joy. Sometimes, I have to really stop and consider my goals and what brings me the most joy in making decisions. I am not as quick or impulsive in agreeing to do some things as I once was. Often times, I prefer staying home to read a good book or spend time in a creative pursuit rather than filling my time with an activity that has less meaning for me. The added bonus is that I’m not spending money on something I don’t really want or need. This allows me to save for those things or activities that are most important!

Several years ago, I heard of the concept of choosing a “word of the year.” The idea is to choose one word that will guide your life choices for the year. It’s similar to making a new year’s resolution, but more……simplified! At the time I thought it was a great idea, but there wasn’t one word that seemed significant to me. This past year, I ran across the idea in several blogs that I follow. Again, the idea really appealed to me, but what word to choose!

Well, I suppose this idea has been rolling around in my head for a while now, but I have finally decided to choose simplify as my word for the year. I know that it is already February and that I am behind in this process, but I am not one to make a commitment lightly, even if it just involves choosing a word.

Our life is frittered away by detail…simplify, simplify.

– Henry David Thoreau

I am looking forward to my year of simplicity and eager to learn of the influence it may have on my lifestyle. I will definitely be sharing along the way.

If you have a “word of the year,” I would love to hear your word and your thoughts on how your word is effecting your life.

Sending you blessings for a simplified day! – Gerri

Finding Everyday Joy

Published on August 6, 2017April 27, 2019 by Gerri3 Comments

Finding joy in the simple things is my quest. I seek simplicity, peace and serenity. I strive to make my days and my surroundings as quiet and peaceful as I possibly can. I have made a purposeful decision to avoid stress and chaos in my life and I structure my days for calm and quiet.

I realize this may not be completely possible. I know that life can be stressful and there are certain times when stress and chaos are hard to avoid. However, I am making a purposeful choice to turn away from stress and chaos and fill my days with calm and quiet.

This has been a long term goal of mine, however, as with many goals, often we fall short of what we have planned. Life gets busy, overwhelming, with stressful jobs, raising families, and seemingly endless to do lists of things we believe must be accomplished each day. It’s easy to get caught up in the everyday stresses of life. Sometimes so caught up that we become weary, physically exhausted and emotionally drained.

Finding everyday joy involves finding simple pleasures in ordinary moments. Finding joy each day involves taking a moment to enjoy small, simple pleasures.

I know that I cannot completely avoid stress and busyness in my life. I know would be unrealistic. But there are things that I can do to bring a stressful day back to calm.

Here are some tips that I follow when I feel my peace and calm is turning into hectic and crazy.

Start each day with quiet. I know this can be difficult, but I try to carve a few minutes of quiet into the beginning of my day for meditation, reflection, prayer. It truly gets my day started on the right foot.

Flowers, candles, music. I love for my home to be filled with fresh flowers, the smell of scented candles, and spa music or jazz playing softly in the background. These things can instantly take the hectic out of my day and bring me back to calm and joy.

Spending time in nature. A part of everyday for me includes a walk outdoors and some time in the garden soaking up some Vitamin D and enjoying the nature that’s around me. The simple quiet of a gentle breeze and chirping birds can relieve stress from my day.

Being Creative. Writing, drawing, painting, photography, arranging flowers…..anything that allows me to simply escape and forge my own way brings me relaxation, calm and rejuvenates my spirit.

Keeping things simple. I try not to let to much clutter into my life. This includes physical and mental clutter. Stuff that takes up space in my home and stuff that takes up space in my brain. If I don’t need it it in my life, I let it go.

Find the simple moments in your day and you will find joy. xxoo Gerri

Early Morning Quiet

Published on July 2, 2017April 27, 2019 by Gerri2 Comments

Summer has definitely arrived with temperatures soaring into the mid 90’s! I am a lover of warm weather, but it is truly difficult to enjoy the outdoors when the afternoon sun just beats down on your head and bakes you.

Fortunately for me, one of of my favorite times of day has always been early morning. (Well, to be completely honest, this probably wasn’t true when I was in my teens and only saw early morning on an as needed basis!)

However, now that I am older, I feel my best in the morning, refreshed and ready to conquer the new day. Recently, I’ve taken to grabbing my coffee and sitting outside first thing to enjoy my garden and commune a bit with nature. The sun is not high in the sky and the temperature is pleasant. I listen to the birds chirping and enjoy the slight breeze rustling the the tall pines. It is quiet and peaceful. It gives me a chance to put my mind in order and reflect on my goals for the day.

I draw my peace and serenity from these early morning quiet times. I gather my thoughts and my energy. This time alone in the peaceful, quiet early morning inspires me. It’s in this quiet time that I gather my creativity and think about the possibility of future projects. Without this time, I feel lost, without focus, unable to attain my creative goals, or to even be sure of what they are.

I have found that if I go too long without this quiet time, I become depressed, anxious and unsure about my future. It’s in these quiet moments that I gather my serenity and hold on to my faith.

How about you?

Where do you find your serenity?

What to helps inspire your creativity?

xxoo Gerri

A Surprising Walk

Published on June 20, 2017May 26, 2021 by GerriLeave a comment

So often it’s the little things that take place in our day to day existence that make life meaningful. It’s in the sound of the wind rustling through the tall pines. It’s in the beauty of the light and shadows as they play across the water. It’s coming across a special surprise on an ordinary day.

It is no secret that I am a lover of gardens and nature. I am so fortunate to live in a lovely area filled with gorgeous, tall oak and pine trees. A favorite activity of mine ( if you can call it an activity ) is to sit on our back porch and listen to the wind as it whistles through the tall pines.

I also enjoy walking on the trails we have and visiting the pond. It fills me with peace and serenity to escape from my home for a bit each day and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.

This morning on my walk I had a lovely surprise! As I was heading along the path, I came across this sweet friend just coming out of the forest! You can imagine my delight when I saw him there. I am tracking my steps so I now walk with my phone in hand ready to capture any special moments. He was probably scared to death of me, but he did stay still long enough for me to get a couple of photos before he scurried back into the woods. It made me feel so fortunate to have just a moment to observe him just a few feet away!

I hope you all take the opportunity to get outside and enjoy this beautiful day! Take in the small details of nature that surrounds you and look for the joy and peace it has to offer.

xxoo Gerri

From Tranquil Beaches to Majestic Mountains

Published on June 8, 2017April 27, 2019 by GerriLeave a comment

The month of May has been an absolute whirlwind of travel! It began on the lovely Island of Isla Mujeres with it’s pristine beaches and turquoise waters. I then traveled to a family wedding in Columbus, Ohio and was amazed by the rolling hills and green, vibrant countryside filled with quaint farmhouses and picturesque flower gardens. Finally, I completed the month with a visit to the magnificent Rocky Mountains and Estes Park.

To Create Sunshine Estes Park, Colorado — View of Longs Peak from Estes Park, Colorado.

I am left with amazement and awe for the beauty that surrounds us in our world, and I was thinking, wouldn’t our world be a little better if we could all just stop to enjoy and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us. I know it is difficult or even impossible to drop everything and travel to the beach or the mountains. However, we can all take a few minutes of each day to step outside and enjoy the outdoors. Spending time enjoying nature relieves the stress and anxiety that builds in us from dealing with our everyday tasks.

When I’m home and busy, I try to at least take a walk everyday or spend some time in the garden just relaxing and watching the birds and squirrels romp around. Taking time to enjoy nature can improve your outlook on life and relieve stress and anxiety. And it doesn’t cost a penny to open your front door and walk outside to breathe in the fresh air!

I feel totally and completely blessed to have been able to see so much and have so many varied experiences in such a brief amount of time. I will be back soon to share photos and more about my travels. Until then, you can find me relaxing in my back garden taking in the beauty of my own simple surroundings.

“Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.”

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

xxoo Ciao – Gerri

My Hygge Obsession

Published on February 14, 2017April 27, 2019 by Gerri1 Comment

Lately, I have been obsessed with the Danish practice of hygge, pronounced hue-gah. I’m not quite sure for the reason for my obsession. Perhaps because it seems to be the embodiment of all that I am longing for in my life. It gives validity to the peace and serenity that I so long for and have been trying to create in my own little world. It has a name and that name is hygge.

I have long been a fan of coziness. Sitting by the fire, lighting candles, and buying fresh flowers to have in my home are not new concepts to me. Craving a simpler, less hectic life and taking pleasure in simple, everyday things is what I strive for. Spending quality time with friends and family, but also treasuring alone time, cuddling up with a good book or on occasion, cooking a fabulous meal for my husband, are things that I am passionate about.

Perhaps it’s because I feel such a strong connection to this latest wellness trend that I feel so obsessed. It’s like “Hey, new friend. You really get me! You understand what I am all about!” You know that feeling when you meet a new person and you just immediately connect. Yeah, that’s how I feel about hygge. And I have to say it’s a really good feeling!

Today, we are experiencing 100% chance of rain. It is pouring right now. Temperatures will drop into the 40’s again tonight. I know that’s not especially cold compared to the weather in Denmark, but it’s cold enough for me!

Tonight, for Valentine’s we will probably have a fire and light some candles. ( I picked up fresh flowers yesterday.) We will definitely be staying in. We have no desire to fight the crowds at restaurants on Valentine’s Day! We will have a wonderful home cooked meal and maybe a glass of wine. I’m sure it will be a very hygge evening!

I think our world needs a little more hygge right now. Valentine’s Day is a day of love, a day to show kindness, to reach out to others and show them you care. Today, consider calling a friend who might be alone, maybe an older relative who has lost their spouse, or anyone you can think of who might need a little lift. Share your love and fill our world with a little hygge. Who knows, if everyone makes an effort, maybe we can raise the hygge quotient around the world.

Peace and Love to all on this Valentine’s Day!

xx00 Sending Extra Hugs Today – Gerri

Photographs of these precious children are property of To Create Sunshine. Thank you for not using them for other purposes.

A hygge state of mind

Published on February 12, 2017April 27, 2019 by GerriLeave a comment

It’s a dreary winter day complete with a dense fog that has set in and plans to stay awhile. So how about seizing the moment with a roaring fire and lighting some delightfully scented candles to enjoy the day.

Apparently this is a concept that the Danish have mastered. They refer to it as hygge, pronounced hue-gah, which translates to cozy, although it really means so much more.

Even though there have been several books written on the subject, I only learned about the Danish word hygge recently. Apparently, Oxford Dictionaries selected “hygge” as one of their Words of the Year for 2016. I suppose that is why “hygge” is getting so much attention lately.

You see the Danish have incredibly long, cold winters with very few hours of sunlight. However, they embrace their winters by taking pleasure in ordinary everyday things, like a crackling fire, scented candles and cozy blankets with warm socks. If I had to endure long, cold winters I’m sure I would be craving these things as well!

From what I’ve come to understand, hygge is really a state of mind; an attitude full of contentment with life. It’s about savoring the moment, relishing simple everyday life experiences, and enjoying time spent with friends and family. It’s all about embracing the moment and living in the present.

I don’t think you have to be Danish to have hygge in your life. Life can be hectic and stressful. It’s important to find ways to step away from the stress and enjoy simple pleasures in your life. Sometimes we need to slow down and enjoy the moment. This may mean a quiet evening by the fire or it could be spending time reading a good book, listening to music, or pursuing any activity that brings you joy. It might mean sharing a meal with close family, or using some alone time to soak in a hot bath, or go for a long walk.

Whatever it is that brings peace into your life, I hope you will take some time to embrace the simple pleasures of everyday moments.

Wishing you a very “hyggelig” (enjoyable) day! xxoo Gerri

Finding Serenity

Published on January 22, 2015April 27, 2019 by Gerri4 Comments

Serenity is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm.

I remember as a young girl coming to understand the feeling of serenity. It happened while I was sitting by the dock of the bay (thank you Otis) watching the sunset, after a full day of frolicking in the hot sun. It was a magical feeling that came upon me unexpectedly as I watched in awe the magnificent colors of the sky intermingle over the horizon line. It was as if I was seeing the sun disappear for the very first time. A feeling of tranquility came over me that is often difficult to acquire in the hurriedness of life’s demands.

As life went on, and troubles came and went, I believed that serenity was something that could only be achieved when by the water, at sunset. When troubled, I would try to imagine that day so long ago when I sat on the dock in reverence of the sun disappearing over the western horizon. I would long for the serenity found in times when I had the opportunity to wander along beaches. I would imagine the peace I felt when riding in my father’s boat, the wind against my face.

Recently, I have realized that I don’t have to be by water at sunset to find serenity. It is right here in my own back yard. However, I have to take the time to look for it. It cannot be found in busyness. It requires turning things off like the television, computer, and cell phone. It demands finding a quiet place to either sit and relax, or maybe take a quiet stroll. It means listening to nothing but my own thoughts, and maybe the birds chirping or the squirrels chattering. It calls for peacefully watching as the sun filters down and sheds it’s light over trees, plants, and flowers.

I have found my serenity in slowing down and taking in nature’s beauty that is all around me. I have found a passion in trying to capture how the sun falls on the flowers leaving darks and lights, shadows and highlights. I look forward to the day when I can visit the bay and amaze at the way the light from the sun dances on the water. But for now, I will content myself with enjoying my serenity in my own back yard.

Tag: serenity