Stop and Smell the Roses

I have been all about the proverbs this month, and today we’re reflecting on “stop and smell the roses.”

When is the last time you stopped to acknowledge the beauty and good that exists in your life? When is the last time you smelled the roses you’ve planted or the roses you’ve found along the way?

I have personally struggled with this over the past couple of weeks. I was so laser-focused on how much work I have to do to achieve the next goal that I forgot to acknowledge the beauty that I am currently surrounded by.

It can be exhausting and demoralizing to continuously grind each day. At some point, you just want to get it all over with, but quite honestly, that energy won’t lead to anything positive.

During my own exhaustive state, I realized I wasn’t being very productive. I just wanted a small win, if I could reach just one of my 2021 yearly goals then I’ll get motivated again. The problem with my thought process is that the act of gratitude is then delayed. It minimizes the incremental achievements being achieved and it leads to toggling between motivation and demotivation.

So after redefining what a little win was (aka the rose), I decided to participate in daily acts of gratitude that remind me of how dope I am. Regardless if it was a rose I planted or one I happened to stumble upon along the way, I’m going to intentionally take in all the rosy smells in my life.

Since it’s a Friday, you’re probably not working at 100% anyway. Take a little time today to stop and smell your roses.