A gift does not need to be a thing - it can be time, kind words, a song, a shared experience, noticing beauty in nature with your children... It was my birthday on Sunday. I had such a wonderful day - a quiet family day full of love, laughter and sharing. There were no presents bought - my family's gift was being present. No plastic, no wrapping, no unnecessary things just because it's my birthday. Thank you too to all the people around the world who sent me wonderful birthday messages. I really have no need for extra things as gifts. In fact, I am in the process of shedding 'stuff'.
My children were so wonderfully attentive all day and made me feel very loved and special.
Maia created a delicious dragonfruit salad breakfast, a specially brewed garden tea and a lovely dinner table setting. She also sewed me a cute little felt bunny to keep on my writing table.
Hugh made me an amazingly scrumptious cake all by himself.
Monty collected beautiful leaves for me on our walk and held my hand. He also sang to me lots and lots, and gave me wonderful cuddles.
Other wonderful gifts today were:
time to reflect, think and just be;
time relaxing and chatting together as a family;
playing together;
cooking together;
walking in nature together;
love and hugs;
listening to, or playing music together;
sharing a special but simple meal together.
In fact these are quite usual things we do together as a homeschooling and work-from-home family, but sometimes in our daily lives I forget to value them. I spent time on my birthday reflecting on what is most important in my life. What came most clearly to my mind was having quality time and shared experiences with the people I love - in nature and community. Of course there are other important things in life, but we can often allow those to override the things that are the most valuable - which are generally quieter and more subtle. What's your favourite way of sharing a birthday?
The children played tennis on the local courts in the morning and I had a chance to catch up and share a coffee with my friends while we watched - lovely outlook out across the Mary Valley to the forested hills behind - and gorgeous Autumn weather.