By Mary Layton
Appreciation makes the world go round!
Every year, usually in the 2nd week of February I am stunned at the sudden burst of blooming bliss of the orchards. In an instant I’m taken in by the unstoppable wonder of life, and I am truly thrilled to live here and witness this fantastic show. I’m thinking: What makes these trees look so perfect and beautiful is that they are cared for and pruned just right all year round by the experts who ensure that they are disease free and can produce a bountiful crop. At different times the show looks different. At dusk, against a pale blue sky the white full moon matches the while blossoms of the almond trees. Wow! It’s good to notice the beauty around us, it comforts a deeper part inside of me. When I have eyes to take in what all’s there to appreciate in my world I find my soul is blossoming too and I get new strength to meet whatever I’m faced with.
Even adversity has its merits. Dealing with a pandemic may have helped us to change some of our core values.
We may have become more compassionate with ourselves as well as with others. We may learn how important it is to identify not only our own personal goals but also what’s good for others, for the community, for the world we live in. We may learn to appreciate what each new challenge, and even failure can teach us.
It’s all about how I direct my mind, am I focused on the gloom or the bloom? So often when I picture my world from a bird’s perspective, from up high, I find that suddenly things look better. All the drama and anguish is taken out of it and I see things in a new light. I relax and take in a deep breath. Viewing everything from a large distance makes me appreciate our busy life in this fertile valley, brimming of livestock, great food and wine, wonderful entertainment and talented and courageous people that have come from all parts of the world to live here. Years ago I felt I needed to go to the Bay Area to find certain things. So many great new businesses, restaurants, bars, cafes and tea rooms have opened up here! I appreciate that all I want and more, is right here in my town.
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