A surprise parcel arrived this week. The sender's name wasn't on it, and suddenly I found myself more eager to get home than I had been all day.
Then came a message from my grandniece overseas. "Have you received anything yet?"
In that moment, before I had even opened the package, my heart was already full.
Inside were two adorable owls — one for me and one for my husband.
I've always enjoyed giving gifts. Receiving them is another story. I've spent so many years saying, "No need," that perhaps I'd forgotten the quiet joy of being thought of.
This little gift reminded me that receiving is not selfish. It is allowing someone's love, care and thoughtfulness to land.
And sometimes, that can be every bit as meaningful as giving.
To my dear grandniece (you know who you are 🥰) - thank you for this unexpected gift, for the thought behind it, and for the love & kindness that travelled across boundaries. May your kindness return to you many times over, and may you always know how much joy you bring to others.
This week's pause is a gentle reminder that life is precious and the people we love are too. If someone comes to mind as you read this, perhaps send them a message, make a call, or let them know they matter.
Love shared is a gift.
Love received is a gift too. 💚
3 Shifts from this week's pause...
🌱 Allowing myself to receive
Noticing how quickly I say "No need" and gently opening to the possibility that receiving can be an act of connection.
🌱 Savouring what is already here
Pausing long enough to feel the warmth, care and affection behind a simple gift, rather than moving quickly to the next thing.
🌱 Choosing expression over assumption
Remembering that the people we love may not always know what is in our hearts unless we find ways to show them.
May we find the grace to open our hands to the love offered to us, just as we so readily offer it to others.
#PauseAndPost #MeadowMoments #MindfulnessInDailyLife #Gratitude #LoveShared #SEEDSofWellBeing
🌷 humbly from Linda's desk 🌷