Simplicity and Simple Joys

Two Cups of Tea N23

Simplicity and Simple Joys

Two Cups of Tea at Hope’s Cafe

Often I end the blog with a quote.  Today I feel compelled to begin with one, a quote from Emily Ley I came across that I absolutely love:  “You can’t experience simple joys when you are living life with your hair on fire.”

Who is Emily Ley you might wonder. (I did).  I discovered she has developed a line of planners designed to“ help simplify your life – a system of products, backed by tactical solutions to create calm in the chaos.”  She offers a wide selection of planners, some created for specific groups such as teachers and students. 

When I signed up for a two year program in Spiritual Guidance while I was still working full time, I found a planner by Heron Dance, filled with beautiful artwork and quotes and a monthly planner where I outlined my assignments and when they were due, and where I had room for my notes.  I loved that planner and still go back to look at it sometimes.  If Emily Ley’s are anything like that I would welcome them, as Heron Dance went out of business in 2013.

Apparently I need something.  I showed up for a 1 p.m. eye appointment at 10 a.m. this week.  Such planners can be helpful not only to avoid missed appointments and confusion, but also to make people aware of how much  they may be cramming into their days and weeks.  I once had a client whom I assigned to bring in her planner every week to review if she had left herself any openings anywhere and to mark off times for the following week to prevent overcrowding and overcommitting herself.

We are in a holiday season which is ripe for squeezing the life out of every minute of every hour.  Perhaps it is not too late to take a step back to focus on essentials, to give yourself some room to say no to some things, to choose what keeps you sane and centered.  I’ll check in next week and we can compare notes!

The invitation is open to share “two cups of tea” anytime at Hope’s Café, or anywhere you share companionship and conversation.

May we be bearers of hope, the “wait staff” of Hope’s Café for each other and all those we encounter.  Shalom, Kate