“True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future, not to amuse ourselves with either hopes or fears but to rest satisfied with what we have, which is sufficient, for he that is so wants nothing. The greatest blessings of mankind are within us and within our reach. A wise man is content with his lot, whatever it may be, without wishing for what he has not.” — Seneca
Early autumn is a favorite for me. It easily mirrors the Taijitu’s yin-yang of cool mornings and warmer afternoons, summer’s colorful transforming foliage, reflecting on the 12 months past and contemplating the year ahead — all amidst Mother Nature’s vividly blue skies, gossamer white clouds, and low humidity. Aah, simply divine. It makes my heart sing.
Life does not have to be luxurious or overstuffed to feel content. Quite the opposite, actually. The simpler life is — whether free of materialism, information overload, shallow relationships (you get the idea) — the more room for contentment.
“The very quality of your life, whether you love it or hate it, is based upon how thankful you are toward God. It is one’s attitude that determines whether life unfolds into a place of blessedness or wretchedness…This is the only life you will have before you enter eternity. If you want to find joy, you must first find thankfulness. Indeed, the one who is thankful for even a little enjoys much.” — Francis Frangipane
On many such splendid days, I silently give thanks for my ability to see and appreciate these seemingly simple gifts. But, there is one day in particular that comes to mind when a sense of contentment blessed every inch of my mind, body and soul…
While putting the 2018 garden to rest, my beloved border collie, Bess enticed me every few minutes with Frisbee. Shifting focus to each moment of bringing her joy reciprocated mine. Knowing aging Bess would not be at my side forever, I took some photos and filed them under “One Fine Day.” Can you find the hearts in the sky?
It was the last autumn I’d share with Bess as she crossed Rainbow Bridge eight months later. I’ve been thankful for our 14 years of savoring Mother Nature together…
…and for numerous photos that ignite the feeling of joy I’ve had on other blessed fine days:
What is Your “One Fine Day”?
What makes your heart sing?
Please share photo(s)/narrative/and or music for this month’s Changing Focus blogging challenge. It’s completely your interpretation and in the format you prefer. Maybe it’s beautiful weather, calming music, helping (or being helped) — whatever fills your soul. Just remember to add Changing Focus blogging challenge as a tag and provide a pingback or link to your response in a comment on this post.
“One day I decided that I was beautiful, and so I carried out my life as if I was a beautiful girl. I wear colors that I really like, I wear makeup that makes me feel pretty, and it really helps. It doesn’t have anything to do with how the world perceives you. What matters is what you see.” — Gabourey Sidibe
“People always think that happiness is a faraway thing,” thought Francie, “something complicated and hard to get. Yet, what little things can make it up; a place of shelter when it rains – a cup of strong hot coffee when you’re blue; for a man, a cigarette for contentment; a book to read when you’re alone – just to be with someone you love. Those things make happiness.” — Betty Smith
All images by Write Gardener
wRighTing My Life 
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