Category: Simple moments

Celebrating the little moments

Posted in Family coaching, Life coach, Little Moments, motherhood, Orthodox Parenting, parenting, simple joys, Simple momentsTagged , , , , , Leave a comment

Yes, life has big moments that are to be celebrated. But there are many, many little moments in between. And somehow we forget that these little ones are really important. Cheers to pausing and noting all the little things in our lives that are so very essential to our happiness…

✹chosen friends that become family

✹backyard bbqs

✹a sunny day

✹impromptu cornhole tournament

✹dance party in the kitchen bc a good song came on

✹a beach day!

✹empty day on the calendar

✹long weekend

✹long-overdue catch-up phone call

✹family walk

✹unexpected visit

✹good book

✹new recipe that becomes a family favorite

✹surprise flower delivery

✹tiring workout

✹s’mores by the outdoor fireplace to end the night

✹watching birds make a nest under our deck

✹throwing a ball to our dog

✹smiling to a stranger and getting one back

✹saying a prayer and having it answered

✹taking time to do what you love

Sprinkling Beauty

Posted in Christian, Family, Happiness, Joy, Orthodox Parenting, parenting, Simple moments, simply better yourselfTagged , , Leave a comment

I enjoy adding flowers to spaces in our home. Our powder room gets a ton of use since it’s right off our kitchen. Here’s a bloom from my garden, which adds a simple delight for any visitor. It’s these little things that my kids notice and enjoy…it’s what makes our house a home.

Fun Mom

Posted in Christian, Family, Greek Orthodox Parenting, Happiness, Joy, motherhood, Parenthood, Simple moments, the little momentsTagged , , , , , Leave a comment

My youngest recently told me I’m a “fun mom!” When I inquired what makes me fun, she said because I play!! That’s what our kids want and need from us… connection, sincere interest, engagement. Like all mothers, it seems I always have a list of things to do, but her soft voice echos in my head to make sure I leave time to play.❤️

A Small Glimpse of Joy

Posted in Christian, Family, Greek Orthodox Parenting, Happiness, Joy, Little Moments, Simple momentsTagged , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

My dad has Alzheimer’s. For those of you who love someone suffering from this terrible disease, you understand how sad it is. He hasn’t known me or his grandchildren for years yet times I get a glimpse of familiarity; his hug a little tighter, his smile a tad broader. In my last visit to the facility he’s in I brought my dog. My dad loved Marlton and when he saw him, his eyes twinkled and he chuckled. Did he really remember my dog? I’ll never know. But what my heart feels is that Marlton brought my dad a moment of happiness and unconditional love and that’s all I can hope for these days. 💜

A Lighthouse

Posted in Christian, Greek Orthodox Parenting, Happiness, Joy, Little Moments, parenting, self-improvement, simple joys, Simple momentsTagged , , , , , , , Leave a comment
West Chop, Martha’s Vineyard

There’s something about lighthouses that attracts people…

Bold beacons guiding the way safely home.

Who’s the lighthouse in your life?

Perfectly Imperfect

Posted in Christian, Family, Happiness, Joy, Orthodox Parenting, parenting, simple joys, Simple moments, the little momentsTagged , , , , Leave a comment
Family sculpture, Oaks Bluff Martha’s Vineyard

My friend, Lori, teasingly points out all the times I feel moments are, “Perfect.” How’s the weather? Perfect. How’s your coffee? Perfect. How’s vacation? Perfect. I didn’t realize how often I said it but then I thought about what it meant. The Oxford dictionary defines perfect as ‘having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be.’ So when I am sitting on a beach, under an umbrella, watching my kids play in the water, the moment to me is perfect. Each of our own criteria for perfection differs so my ideal beach day may be a flop to you.

I realized I’m also quick to capture a perfect moment; not necessarily a whole day but a little snapshot, in the moment kind of way. I’ve come to appreciate those little things that truly are most important…when my husband grabs hold of my hand as we walk the dog through our neighborhood- prefect. When I see my youngest crocheting alongside her nana- prefect.

So, is my life perfect? Absolutely not!! I’m perfectly imperfect right alongside my perfectly imperfect children, husband, and dog. But all our perfectly imperfect moments make me cherish this one and unique life that has been given to me. And that is simply perfect!❤️

Changing Perspective or Simply Looking a Different Way

Posted in Joy, Little Moments, self-improvement, simple joys, Simple moments, simply better yourselfTagged , Leave a comment

Each morning, I strive to have quiet time reading my devotional. I created a cozy nook in my bedroom with a chair and side table. The chair was positioned with a view of my side yard where I could see a beautiful hydrangea bloom in warmer months.

However, it is newly spring and foliage is nonexistent so I stare are my neighbor’s garage. This is not the view that complements my morning mediations. I really didn’t want to move my comfy spot to another part of the house so what if I turned the chair to look out the same window but in the opposite direction?

Indeed, it worked! A white picket fence offsets the greenery of pines, while a red cardinal perches on bare branches. I could almost imagine I was in a forest, not a suburban neighborhood. Interesting that simply looking a different way could instantly change my perspective. What a good reminder!❤︎

Spring Snowfall

Posted in Happiness, Joy, Little Moments, simple joys, Simple momentsTagged , , Leave a comment

It’s April in Boston. Flowers are blooming, birds are returning. Weather is warming up…or so we thought! Then, it snowed! Yup, a Nor’Easter that dumped inches of snow. Yet at this point of the year, it’s one last gift from Mother Nature. To see colorful tulips and daffodils drenched in white is a sight to marvel. While another snow delay could easily be a nuisance, I rethink this morning as one to be cherished. I slow down to enjoy the view from my window, bundle up as I go take pictures of images too beautiful to ignore. I am filled with gratitude for this unintentional moment, breathing a little deeper, fully treasuring where I am. ❤︎

Morning Coffee with a Friend…over the phone!

Posted in Happiness, Joy, motherhood, parenting, self-improvement, simple joys, Simple momentsTagged , , Leave a comment

Several of my dearest friends live states away. We are lucky to see each other once a year if our schedules magically align. Yet we talk all the time! Saturday mornings I curl up in my office, coffee in hand, and catch up with these soul sisters. Connection is such an integral part of well-being, yet it can be hard to find time to do it. Between working, having 3 kids with their own schedules, and simply taking care of a home, it’s sometimes more work to schedule a coffee meetup. However, I yearned for this time with my SSs to laugh, complain, seek advice, reminisce, and just chat away about life. This hour, bright and early on Saturday mornings, is a highlight of my week…connecting with coffee fills my soul. ❤︎

*In case you are looking for a new read, one of my husband’s employees kindly passed on The Berry Pickers, by Amanda Peters…I couldn’t put it down!!! Thank you, Sue❤︎

**And the beautiful handpainted mug was a surprise from my oldest because I love hydrangeas.❤︎

A Simple Spring Pleasure

Posted in Family, Happiness, Joy, parenting, simple joys, Simple momentsTagged , , , Leave a comment

Spring in New England creates images of crocuses and daffodils emerging through the softening ground. Color begins to blanket the brown earth. How many times have I rushed by these sprouting flowers too busy to pause and enjoy? This spring I’ve turned it into a game for our family. Who can notice the most hyacinths on the way to school? What color tulips can you find? Who can make a bouquet to grace our kitchen table? It’s incredible to watch how pointing out something a few times can turn your brain into noticing it so much more! (I think about the ‘new’ car I discovered and soon enough I noticed it everywhere!) Ultimately, I hope my children will remember to pause for a moment to enjoy the beauty that’s all around, brightening their days with joy, renewal, and simplicity. ❤︎