leaves in the backyard

The fall season has been calling and calling--- bidding for us to come out and enjoy.  The cooler air, warm sunny afternoons, and changing colors are all so inviting.  Unfortunately, I have been ignoring all of it and continuing on a busy course.

All three girls were enjoying play dates with friends this afternoon.  Instead of rounding them up in the car, Charlie and I headed out on foot, connected by his leash.  We walked around the neighborhood to gather each girl.  Danny came out to find us when he returned home from work.  We walked all together enjoying the fresh air and friendly neighbors outside.

The new pace was a wonderful treat.  I thought of the words of President Dieter F Uchtdorf,

"One of the characteristics of modern life seems to be that we are moving at an ever-increasing rate, regardless of turbulence or obstacles.  Let’s be honest; it’s rather easy to be busy. We all can think up a list of tasks that will overwhelm our schedules. Some might even think that their self-worth depends on the length of their to-do list. They flood the open spaces in their time with lists of meetings and minutia—even during times of stress and fatigue. Because they unnecessarily complicate their lives, they often feel increased frustration, diminished joy, and too little sense of meaning in their lives.
It is said that any virtue when taken to an extreme can become a vice. Over-scheduling our days would certainly qualify for this. There comes a point where milestones can become millstones and ambitions, albatrosses around our necks."

Fall is a great season to reflect and simplify.  I am trying to eliminate unnecessary stresses.  I am taking more time to sit and read on the couch.  I am saying "no" to some busy work.  I hope to say "yes" to more evenings like tonight, taking walks together.