Smelling flowers

There's a saying that suggests one should take time to smell the roses. It's not really about roses though. It means that one should take a pause in a busy schedule and take the time to appreciate nature and the natural things around them rather than hurrying along in pursuit of other things. It's good advice.

I like to expand it out though, to include other things namely people.

Many people get so caught up in their lives that sometimes they may begin to take people around them for granted. It could be a partner, friend, work colleague or even someone more peripheral to them like the barista who makes their coffee. In our hectic lives it's easy to forget that nurturing relationships is just as important as creating them...And that saying thank you is a powerful thing.

Taking the time to say I appreciate you to the barista or a work-colleague, for instance, is a small thing but one that can have huge benefits for the relationship. It's the same with a partner or a child if one is a parent. Yes, life can be hectic, but a well-placed comment can mean so much to that child or partner.

Remembering to show appreciation for, and gratitude to, the important people in life will always be repaid in kind; In fact probably ten-fold over time.

We don't always have time for smelling flowers, but we should always have time for respect, courtesy, appreciation and gratitude.