Stop and Smell the Roses

Yes actually stick your face in a rose bush

Spontaneous note today. I know it’s not Thursday but I have a nice little short story to share that I think you’ll like.

Lately I’ve gotten into the habit of running as a commute to my kickboxing gym instead of driving. If I drive it takes 10 minutes and if I run it takes 15. The difference is small but also big.

I took a habit of something I was already doing (going to kickboxing class), and added the habit of running there instead of driving. So 3 times a week I get to sneak in 3 miles a day. For a total of 9 miles a week. Nothing huge, but certainly a lot better than driving. Bonus workout, bonus fresh air, bonus saving money on gas. I run 1.5 miles to my gym, do the hour-long class (or two), then run back home.

Today while all the cars were stuck in traffic, I jogged along, passed them, and got to the gym with 5 min to spare. On my run home, my legs were tired but I decided to take a different street home than usual and explore a different part of the neighborhood.

That’s when I smelled it. The wind carried a sweet and floral scent. I looked around and spotted a nearby green bush with dozens of white rose flowers. I jogged over to the bush (it was in the corner of someone’s yard), and stuck my face in the flowers. Confirmed: The smell of spring and blooming roses.

I’m sure the owners of the house (or their doorbell camera) saw me sticking my nose in their bushes. A few minutes went by and I took my time indulging in the sweet scent going from flower to flower.

Meanwhile the people in cars stuck in traffic had no idea of this little special moment of enjoying the smell of flowers in bloom.

I’m glad I took the long way home— by running; the long way home— by picking a different street to run on; the long way home— by taking a second to pause and actually smell the roses.

All it took was a minute or two, but it made all the difference. After a day spent on the computer screen and then sweating at a kickboxing class, it was really nice to spend some quality moments with some flowers who only exist to make others happy. Whose beauty often goes unnoticed or unperceived simply because we rush by them.

Hope we all make more time to smell the roses.

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Speaking of making time for mindful moments, did you get to listen to the short meditation my friend Lisa recorded for us? It’s bound to give us some peaceful moments of calm whether you’re traveling or at home. 🍃 🧘‍♀️