Do you remember falling in love? That youthful kind of heart palpitating love, where you felt butterflies in your stomach? Where you smiled just thinking about love itself? Where everything felt fresh and new and life waited for you with open arms, to explore it?
I felt that today, as I was watering my plants, getting ready to leave them for a couple of days (yes, I am running one day late as of now)…
I had the windows open, and a Lucio Battisti record was playing loud. Just as the song E Penso a Te hit the 2:19 mark, I felt my heart explode out of my chest, and it was like I was sucked into an Italian novela or some other world, where love was infused into the oxygen…
I know, I can be so cheesy. But at that moment, I realized I wanted to tell you something very important. You know, my life is far from perfect (trust me). But, I make certain choices, and those choices include dwelling on the good parts and chucking the not so good right out the window.
I choose to let the light in.
It would be extremely unwise of me to allow real negativity to start tiptoeing into my life. It would ruin everything I love about my world… My perfectly, imperfect world.
I was thinking about all of this, just this afternoon, when a little friend dove right into the water hose I was holding. This is my hummingbird friend, who goes so far as to sit on my toe when I am watering…
For a long time (say ages 15-22), I thought that dreams coming true and success and fulfillment were packages that held things like fame and fortune (insert silly grin). Then, something hit me like a brick one day…
I realized, success and fulfillment start to happen when you have a happy heart, and you can enjoy the moment, and accept your world just as it is. Any goodness added to that, is just icing on the cake…
I almost fell over when I realized that. How simple? Was it possible that all I had to do was let go???
I said to myself, Vanessa, the only way for you to be happy, is to let go of all the things you thought could make you happy, and simply embrace whatever goodness you have around you now. Then water that and let it grow…
Life comes and life goes. Today is all you have. And you don't even have control over that. We all know this, but often forget it when sucked into the craziness of daily life…
With that, my life changed. I have always been rather positive (minus the angst ridden late teens and early twenties), but I didn't know what I was searching for. Funny, when you realize, there is nothing to search for. It is already right there, with you now. In you.
I don't mean to harp on the same subject, and I certainly don't mean to sound like a know it all, or a pseudo motivational speaker. As I have said, I only know what works for me. And, what I believe in. But often, I get questions asking if my life really is as good as it seems.
And, yes. Yes it is that good. But only because I perceive it to be. It's all in my perception. I could list all the things that are not that great. I could see the negatives if I wanted to. But I don't want to. Yes, they try to creep in sometimes, but I stop them as fast as I can. I allow myself to feel anger and sadness, and I actually love to cry. I love the release. But I don't stay there very long…
I do this smile thing. Mister Lovee and I do this in the car. It started one day when we were having a (gasp) fight. And I said, you know what, let's just smile. So, I smiled. And I saw, he was too. Then we started laughing out loud.
And I'll tell you, if you just smile… Right now, just smile. You feel your spirit lift at the same time. There is no way to smile, and not feel a tinge of a spirit boost. I'm telling you, it works… So, I do it every now and then, just for the heck of it.
I make choices to take tiny risks. To play a little. To sleep in when I can. To lay off on the guilt trips I put myself though. And, to go easy on those I love. I decide when to quit the nagging, and I choose my battles, which when you look at it, most of them are pointless.
These are all the things Mom's tell us… Then we learn one day, it is all for our own good as much as it is for those around us…
I also made a huge decision many years ago, to allow myself to fall in love (I had kept myself from this for a long time after feeling the pain of lost love). I decided that, even if the outcome would hold heartbreak, I was just going to open my heart and see what would happen…
I am so glad I did!
So, I guess my point is that nothing is perfect, but it can be, with a little perception adjustment. Changing the way we see things can make a huge difference.
Believe, dream, laugh, love – all those words that seem sappy hold goodness. They do…
Now, I guess I should stop talking/typing, and pack (at least a toothbrush).
🖤🖤🖤,V
mmm what made you write this???
i love my life just not the fact that i have to work. it was fine before i had children, but now all i want to be is a mum and a housewife but it costs money to have 3 children and my income keeps us afloat.
i have a dream that i am working towards, now all i have to do is put a smile on my face :0)
%*_*%youwritewonderfulwordsnotonlyareyouanartistbutyouareaninspirationalwritertoommwwaaaahhhh
Vanessa are you a Sagitarian?
My sentiments exactly Ms Delightful… Hooray for the malleability of perception…
Pah! to fame and fortune…
May Simplicity rule the day…
and may it be sweet and special to add…
like you…
Happy Happies to your men…
X
It’s as if you peeked into my heart and knew exactly what I needed to hear just this very minute. At 45, with both of my sons now adults and one married living a few States away, I’ve just realized exactly what you are saying. I am learning to love what I already have and be happy today. Too often I have deferred happiness until we move to the perfect home, I got the particular job, we had x amount of money…and guess what? Life marched on and my boys grew up and I can’t wait to be happy until… So, I am happy for the little things and I now know that it’s all of the little things and small moments that make up our happy lives. Thank you for all of the magic you share because it is helping me to push away the negative and dwell in the possibilities. You are my angel…I wish you smiles, love and all of your sweet dreams come true.
Oh, Vanessa, I LOVED your post! I can relate to your choosing to let light in. I LOVE hummingbirds, too! You got some great shots! Lucky you! ((Hugs)) to you, sweet friend. 🙂
Thank you dearest…you echo all that I feel…
so wise and lovely Vanessa!
I have to remember myself those things all the time (I get distracted easily)
tha magic of the world is specially in our eyes (the way we look at things)
Thank you! (I feel as 22 now….:)…)
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤!
we have very similiar views Vanessa! Happiness really is a choice. I wish it was easier for more people to “get” that. and on the flip side.. so is anger! I really like staying in my “happy” place for as much time as possible.. but you know.. every now and then we have to taste the bitterness of anger or sadness.. thats part of what makes happiness and contentment so sweet!
you are a sparkly shiney little gem and I love your blog!
hugs
vivian
a happy heart
—-> 🖤
for you today
as you leave {{ one day late }}
or NOT
on your toothbruash carrying journey…
🙂
i will water the hummingbird
and
play with the somepinkflowers
while
you
are away…
me
and all your happy heart friends
over here…..🖤
Wonderful post! I’m always telling my friends and family to “step back and look at the big picture. Does this really matter? Will it matter in a few hours, or a few days, or a lifetime?” Lately, I haven’t been taking my own advice though. Thanks for reminding me of the positive person I try to be! And your right, good things happen to people who have already found their happiness within themselves!
Thank you. With a grandmother fighting ovarian cancer, and personally going through a divorce — I echo the statement above mine, “you knew exactly what I needed to hear”.
The hummingbird shots are incredible. My heart races at the thought of how close it gets to you and the level of trust there. Neat!
Ahhhh! Hummingbird on your TOE!!?? You are a blessed spirit, methinks!! I have only ever seen a hummingbird a few times….teo of which were outside our little forest house here….I wished ever so much to make friends with him….but to have him sit on my toe and fly through the water!? That’s just heaven itself!! 🙂
Happy away time to you! I hope you enjoy much rest, family and delights!! I know you shall!!
Today’s post was so wonderful! It’s my 10th wedding anniversary and I couldn’t express my feelings any more beautifully than you did! Thank you, once again…
V,
Wise beyond your years, I say! You have hit the nail on the head. I try to tell myself this everyday. My life is a result of the choices I’ve made. Does circumstance pay a role? Possibly, but the choices I have made are directly related to the place I am at. (Obviously some things are beyond my control. I certainly am not that powerful.)
As always,
Trish
This is one of the many things I adore about you. Your positive spirit that brings love into the world. I too try to be positive and I sometimes annoy my hubby but it is okay it lifts him up too. Thank you for the lovely post. Hugs, Bobbi Jo
Oh Vanessa, that brought tears to my eyes! I love, love, love it…and have always loved the way you view the world here on your blog. You are such an inspiration! And the smile thing really does work doesn’t it, it’s funny. If we ever start to get upset with one another…we also just start cracking up sometimes and then we get over it 😉
I can’t believe that birdy got so close to you too and came to play in your water stream…how cool is that!?! Amazing!
I might have to post, twitter, link, whatever to this post because I think it’s worth everyone reading.
Hope you have a great trip, we’ll miss you 😉
Jamie 🙂
Have a wonderful weekend, sweet friend. I am reading Life is a Verb…you could have written that book. In fact….you SHOULD write a book about your philosophy of life! And add some whimsy to our lives!
Hello Miss Vanessa,
I am speechless…just an awesome post!
~ Gabriela ~
“We are as happy as we make up our minds to be.” ~ Abraham Lincoln
You’re words are so true Vanessa. And I am guilty of getting caught up in the everyday and enjoying what the world is offering. There has been so much negative things in my life within the last year, it’s hard to look past that. But you are right, dwelling on it doesn’t make it go away, so why not toss it out the window and find the silver lining? Thanks for giving me a new way of thinking!! {{Big Hugs}} to you, my friend. Hope you have a fun trip.
You are an inspiration! LOVE the sweet hummingbird. Have a fun trip!
Oh Little One so wise, how I adore you! “The true voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes” Proust. How blessed are you for learning and choosing so early. And blessed are we who catch your magic. Your photos today brought tears of joy to my eyes. You truly are magical…even the hummingbird knows it! **blows kisses** Deborah
This is all true and great to hear for those moments when things are not going as planned. I love your hummingbird-I have a photo of one on my post at the moment too! But not a live one, a little wooden one. He did find a flower though!
Have a lovely trip!
Sarah x
PS-love all the childhood photos on the post below-especially the snow one!
Great thoughts. Fantastic reminder. Thank you so much for sharing.
This post makes me think of the song “All Is Full of Love” by Bjork –
you’ll be given love
you’ll be taken care of
you’ll be given love
you have to trust it
maybe not from the sources
you have poured yours
maybe not from the directions
you are staring at
trust your head around
it’s all around you
all is full of love
all around you
all is full of love
you just ain’t receiving
all is full of love
your phone is off the hook
all is full of love
your doors are all shut
all is full of love!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PiStjwUEHc
Have a wonderful trip!
All so true….
If we smile and share happiness…..happiness and smiles will follow us. I have also found that if you don’t expect the grand and over-the-top you will always be quite pleased with what you find.
Have a beautiful weekend.
What beautiful words…they made my heart sing.
Lovely! Thoughtful! Sweet! I try to fall in love everyday; with life and those in my life. What a gorgeous feeling!!
Hugging you
SueAnn
PS Have a great trip!!!
Delurking because I had to say this:
You
Are
So
Very very
Right.
“I choose to let the light in.” You are so true, so right. And so much in love you can hardly contain yourself. Yes, you have me smiling and remembering my silly 17 year old self….and I am still silly in love 23 odd years later (emphasis on the odd!). You have to let go of the notions that it is somewhere outside you…it is in you all along. You have more wisdom than ones twice your age (and I who am older and should be wiser, am just figuring this whole thing out). Go revel in the love you share and the magical life you live.
Enjoy the day !
Erin
A beautiful post sweet Miss V!!!!
and thank you for sharing the magical photos of the hummingbird. darling little thing:):):) Have fun on your trip!!!
xoxox
How did you know this is exactly what I needed to hear at this point in my journey?!?!
You my darling, are fantastic…and thank you for the reminder!
Now go fly off for your trip!
a few months ago i realized what a waste of time all of the resentment and anger i have been carrying around regarding my life was – how it hasn’t turned out like i planned, that i don’t make a lot of money, i don’t have the sucessfull business i wanted, that i don’t have the money i wanted, etc – these feelings were pretty much useless.
i made a conscious decision to let go of all of it and approach my life like a big ole art party! to find joy in the everyday – and i can tell you it has made a world of difference.
every day is not perfect ( i am having trouble with the things i am finding wrong with our new apartment – wanting it be like something on HGTV when it can never be) but, i know when i am doing it and i know how to stop.
each day truly is a joy and if more people cherished their own lives,the world would be a better place.
funny, when i was home last week in georgia, my mom actually asked me why i smiled so much. and the way she said it, i felt she was critcizing me.
weird, huh. i didn’t realize that smiling was a bad thing…
Oh, how amazing it is!
Finally knowing something like that. I only discovered it a short while ago, and have not by any perfected the art of it. I was quite the worrier and grouch only a few years ago, but I realized how silly it was to dwell on the things that were less than happy in my life…why? Of course problems need to be addressed, but you don’t have to dwell on it.
Smile, you’re so very right, that is the key. Smiling, and laughing, and knowing that really, no matter what goes down there’s always going to be a better day, so be happy.
<3 And on falling in love...maybe I'm too young, but I think I know what it feels like, and it's something you never ever want to let go of.
I'm certain that your posts make the world a happier, more smile filled place. I know they make my world that way 😀
Enjoy your trip!
I’ve been feeling the same way lately as well! Your life is as you perceive it! You’ve described it so wonderfully! You are an inspiration 🙂
thank you for the smile Miss V…have a safe trip.
xoxo
~k
I keep a quote on my inspiration board at school (I’m a teacher). It’s not an exact quote from Dr. Wayne Dyer, but it’s close. “The only difference between a weed and a beautiful flower is perception. Change the way you look at things.” As an elementary teacher, this is a powerful statement that I read often to keep me focused on the success of my students. So many times people just want to write off the kid because they aren’t high achievers, or they are behavior problems, etc. I LOVE having a “bouquet” of weeds! They can be so beautiful.
In my personal life, I try to still keep that quote close to me because I went through a long phase in my 30’s where I just wasn’t happy. At 40, I spent a lot of time reflecting on where I thought I would be when I was 40 and realizing that I was no where near those dreams. That rattled my world a bit but I worked through it to get where I am now. Still not at the pinnacle, but I’m certainly much happier. Partly for this other quote that I problem think to myself on a daily basis….”If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.” This is a quote I share with my students, too. Perception……is such a little thing that can make such a BIG difference.
I LOVE coming to your site, Vanessa. It’s always thought provoking and uplifting to me. Thank you!! <3
~Allie
Wow, this post that made me so happy. I smiled. I love the photos of your hummingbird friend! And may I say, that your photos are looking amazing lately. xo
What a beautiful post! Have a great time on your journey and SMILE!!
Love,
LuLu~*xoxo
Your blog is a beautiful, beautiful thing!
Absolutely beautiful post – so thought provoking!
Dear Vanessa, it is obvious you touch so many hearts with your beautiful words. I am in that part of life, at 24, when things haven’t seemed to go as they should have for the past couple of years and I find myself wondering how it is that I even got here. Many days are spent feeling so stuck, with no choices of where I want to take myself. But your words make me remember that I have all the paths in the world to choose from and that I am extremely fortunate. And yes, to just SMILE and choose to see the good and put the bad aside. Thank you for the reminder. And for clearing the gray clouds atop of my head… I needed this 🙂
You and I are kindred spirits. I agree with you. We have to focus on what we love and find beautiful. Let the negative and all the ugliness wash away from us. If not, we can drown in it.
Oh! And have a safe and wonderful trip!
wow… How you put into words what somedays I am feeling and what other day I seem not be able to remember! It’s a daily battle to remember to smile to just be… Your words are beautiful! Thank you for always talking from your heart. I struggle with writing what my mind is trying to say. It turns to mush apple pie… well kind of.
I have missed reading your blog. I’ve been busy working on my tea party fun. But crazy luck for me. I thought it was this coming Tuesday! Oh joy more time. Although we will be gone I think? But I can still post and enjoy the company later. Fashionably late is better than not making it at all. I hope you are well as you sound!
Hugs~
Chelsea Ann
One million years ago I was in love. In love with every single fiber of my being. I knew he was a boy, I knew he was immature…but I never tried to change him. I just waited for him to grow up. Alas, he never did. He moved on (it kinda/sorta would have been nice if had shared this with me beforehand!). 20 years together…that is a lifetime, especially with children.
But we move on! And in the end life is not only so much better for letting go of what was, but embracing what is new! 🙂
just when you need to hear it, it is being said – I have been realizing that I carry around a lot of angry thoughts and as of late, really want to be rid of them. this post helps to see ways to do just that. i am a very positive person for everyone execept, it appears, myself
thanks for reminding me of the imperfect perfection that is right now, at my door
what a lovely little hummingbird friend you have there. Do you have a hummingbird feeder in your yard? Im putting one up soon, hopefully I can make some bird friends too. Thanks for posting 🙂 -HurricaneKassi
A hummingbird sits on your toe?! Wow!
I have a Willy Wagtail which has befriended me, I notice it on my walks.
One day just before my (first) wedding, a butterfly briefly sat on my hand!
Beautiful post, thank-you VV.
Just what I needed today Vanessa…thank-you…so very true indeed.
I love sappy, cheesy, corny words.
And your hummingbird photos are just magical…
And yes, I know that being in love feeling…euphoria…but haven’t felt it for a long time.
Need to listen to that music you mentioned I guess…LOL
Oh to be able to capture it in a bottle and take it out like perfume…to wear whenever we needed a spark to keep us going.
Stay happy and keep smilin’!
Vanessa, I always feel so happy after a visit with you.
Have a lovely magical trip
Hugs Karen
preach it sister!!! i agree with you 110%. how in the world do you find time to read all of our comments?! AND all the other things you do… you truly enrich my life. thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart, for sharing yours…
No hay pajaro que me guste mas y me de ternura como el picaflor (hummingbird).Da sensacion de libertad y felicidad.
Besitos y feliz fin de semana.
I’m SMILING big time sweet gal! Thank YOU for your wiseness! Let’s all SMILE! more!
I’ll drink to that!
What great thoughts you share Vanessa! We alone, have the choice to recognize all that is wonderful and great in our lives!
We alone possess the power not to let negative in! I really do agree. I try very hard to live the life you speak of!!
Yes indeed.
I am SO fortunate!
and I am also truly grateful for all, esp for
letting the light in!
Love,
Constance
Sending sparkle dust!
I can’t even begin to tell you how wonderful you are to give those “words of wisdom” ( i like to call them that) …coming from someone much younger than me, it is such a gift you are sharing with us bloggers! Ever since I lost both of my parents (2 months ago) and my hubby just had achilles surgery, I have been feeling like I have been in a very deep hole, trying to stick my neck out towards the light. I am usually a very happy go lucky gal and this has really shaken my soul. BUT YOU MY DEAR have given me some very good things to think about and act upon and I am smiling right now!!!! Thanks Vanessa for always keeping life magical and colorful…I wish someday we could share a cup of tea! You are the sweetest!
Oh my goodness Miss V. You’ll never know how much I needed to read this tonight and I made my hubby come in here and read it too. I’ll tell you some day. Big hugs…have a wonderful trip.
Your posts (and many of the comments too) make me feel not only happy, but also a wee bit validated, knowing I’m not the only one who believes happiness is in many ways a conscious choice. This isn’t to dismiss any of the very real issues we face in our lives – some more serious and overwhelming than others….
But I don’t believe a smile has ever made anything worse, has it? 😉
Wishing you safe travels, a Happy Midsummer’s Day, and a Happy Father’s Day to the wonderful men in your life – and thanks for another uplifting post!
~ Carolee
Yes, Lincoln said, We are as happy as we make up our minds to be. A great truth and one that I have followed for ‘much’ of my life. I also realized I had to be the one to make my own happiness, I couldn’t look to someone else to make me happy. Twyla
such a sweet, true and wonderful post Vanessa! it’s something we must all do or we’ll really miss out on so much life has in store for us! have a happy day my inspirational friend! xo natalea
How completely true. and no matter how many times you’ve heard it or said it’s great to hear it again. I hate to say it, but i don’t think I will get to the tea party and I feel bad that you put my link there. I’m getting too crazy busy, I have a nasty cold and we are headed off on a trip. I will, however, party vicariously through all the other tea partiers. Thanks, Anna
You are so inspiring, and your posts always brighten my day. I look forward to each of them, because you always have something to say that makes me stop and think, and just relax. We all just go through life too fast and sometimes you just have to stop, forget about time and just enjoy everything around you.
So, thank you for that. I’ll be carrying around a smile wherever I go.
Vanessa, I don’t know if I have ever come here and not been brought to my knees by your beauty.
You are a place where hummingbirds dare to visit.
Love Renee xoxoxo
I feel the same way dear one…how I wish I could express my thoughts as well as you…
My Dear Vanessa, a beautiful post and so heartfelt…and you are a Hummingbird whisperer 🙂 I love the image of a Hummingbird playing in the water from the hose and landing on your toes.
I have a Hummingbird feeder and when I have just filled it there is a little Hummingbird that comes and hovers in front of my face and then goes to the feeder…he, I am sure, is saying “Thank you” to me.
Back to your message…what I love about it, is that you and I have the same philosophy only you express it better than I.
It is a good message.
Just found you & am so glad i did… beautiful!
~misschell (a fellow etsy gal: chinamommy)
well this is proof…isn’t it, that you are OPEN to goodness and beauty, because a HUMMINGBIRD! that visits regularly and sits for photo ops….well, you are living in the moment and we are happy to take inspiration from you.
HOpe you had a lovely weekend with friends and families, birthday’s and other celebrations!!
x..x
s
Dear Vanessa,
You are one of those special people who truly are in love with life. The secret to happiness is being thankful, and I believe for embracing the beauty that is all around us. Your spirit is so full of goodness and wonder that I don’t think you will ever run out of inspiration. Mr. Lovee is so blessed to have you in his life. I am sure that you create the most magical days to share with him.
When you are lost in the world of creating and inspiration I don’t think there is room to think about what we don’t have. Being in the moment and embracing the special moments is the key to acceptance and joy.
Have a beautiful day.
Karen
Oh goodness…. hummingbirds are my signature… and I love these photos …. so close and trusting….
As for the other…. its fantastic that you are able to have and be so positive….
Some are lucky in love and others not…. I think our lives can be what we make them…. though its not always so easy….
Kudos to you for being able to let go of the things that would affect you in an adverse way!!
I adore you for your honesty and I hope you can accept me for being the same
LOTS AND LOTS OF HUGS
JO
vanessa, love this post, love the way you live your life.Thank you you’ve made my day
Brilliant girl – I adore you. You’re so incredibly clever and wise.xoxox
Oh my, this is beautiful, and you made me smile during a feeling bad for me moment! I do believe life is all about how we look at it. Just get lost sometimes in the wrong perception, not often, just now and then. And then someone comes along and pulls you back. T.y. dearie!
wonderful and wise medicine yet again, Miss V.! love it! –robin
Applause –Applause– Applause!
A few days behind…but I am so glad I read this.
I try to live my life this way…and I get sidetracked and needed a reminder. Thank you for the reminder! You are so inspiring.
You are such a wise advanced soul. Your blog always makes me happy and lifts my spirits.
~elaine~
Lovely zinnias, lovely hummingbird and lovely post! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Are u interested for protecting, repairing and reinforcing your name on the Internet
please watch my site : http://www.brandrevitalize.com