Down with awesome, up with awe!

I don’t particularly like the word awesome… this poor word is overworked and so often inappropriately assigned. I once had a fantastic spin instructor who kept describing our progress through her very tough class as awesome… a little overblown I would say. We were hot, sweaty and cycling as fast as we could, but it certainly was not awesome. Literally breathtaking seems more accurate!

Anyway, enough or that… let’s focus on awe this year. Let’s all become more aware of what makes us gasp with wonder or inspires a feeling of reverential respect.

Recently a delightful pair of blackbirds has been arduously and determinedly constructing a nest in the jasmine along my side fence, flying back and forth along the side of my house. And to my delight two small blackbirds are now safely ensconced in their small nest. Having tiny, living feathered creatures close by with mum and dad conducting responsible feeding duties make my heart soar.

Likewise, I am filled with admiration and wonder for the elderly possum who lives in my kitchen roof. On very hot summer days he will poke his head out and climb down to find a cooler spot in my garden but takes time to accept my small offerings of a sweet nectarine, before settling down in the shade.

And of course, you all know about my relationship with the stunningly beautiful tabby cats a few doors up. Playing roly poly with me and chatting to me in their delightful cat speak fills me with such great joy and respect for their happiness.

So, let’s all focus on awe this year to help soften a little the burden of world events and cherish those tiny moments of being truly thankful for all that makes us experience respectful wonderment.

Take good care,

                      Jill