We've often heard this phrase or gentle admonition - "don't forget to smell the roses!"
What it simply means, is that we can't allow ourselves to be so engulfed by our busy lives, that we forget to appreciate the simpler things in life...
...Simple things that bring us such pleasure, e.g. being able to breathe in fresh, wonderful air; smelling roses, being around flowers and nature, our family and friends, listening to birds chirping, the sights and sounds of children laughing.
Us getting our senses involved in life, by us seeing, hearing, touching, smelling and tasting.
Us really enjoying life, by not taking life's simpler things for granted.
These simple things bring such joy and pleasure to our lives, that if we neglect to do and indulge them, then we'll really live lesser quality (less fulfilling) lives than we should.
Speaking of which, this morning, when I was outside, I was greeting by the sound of a woodpecker pecking away at a tree.
Yep, that drumming/pecking sound that I heard, could have been him/her eating small insects on the nearby breadfruit tree, boring a hole to build a nest/living space or him/her attempting to find a mate.
To be honest, I can't differentiate between a woodpecker's drumming vs pecking sound. :)
Yes, we do have woodpeckers in Jamaica, but the the one I saw, was a bit browner in comparison to the one in the inset picture above.
But it was such a joy to see and hear him/her, that it just added that little sparkle to my day.
So friends, don't forget to smell the roses...
Your life will be more fulfilling when you do! - smell the roses that is!
(l'd like to thank maholyoak for the use of his Flickr inset picture, entitled, "Jamaican Woodpecker, Rocklands near Montego Bay, Jamaica, 2010-12-13 (4 of 4).jpg").
Sorry friends, I didn't even think of taking a picture of the woodpecker, but will try to, when I hear him/her again.
Gillian
Sources Include
1) About.com Article,"15 Fun Facts About Woodpeckers: Woodpecker Trivia", by Melissa Mayntz, About.com Guide
2) About.com Article,"Why Woodpeckers Drum",by Melissa Mayntz, About.com Guide