This morning I set up a chair under a tree by my mini fountain garden where the tiger lilies spring sunshine and the clematis reaches its purple glory to the sky. I enjoyed my breakfast of yogurt with fresh strawberries and blueberries from the Farmer’s Market yesterday. I listened to the fountain and the birds sing, "Good morning". I saw the drops of rain on the leaves from a brief morning sprinkle. I smelled the blooming flowers mixed with the ripe berries as I savored each spoonful.

A hectic life makes these moments difficult. Often when we rush from one activity to another, we don’t think of how we could make moments more enjoyable.

I like to keep space in my day for moments like this and for inspiration, spontaneity and connecting with people.

And it doesn’t take much time to create little refreshing times during the day. You can slow down your breath in line. You can make eye contact and a brief comment to the cashier. You can decide to stop at the bookstore after your other errands to browse the bargain books for a few minutes. How about calling a friend in the evening instead of watching TV? Or being in the moment of smells and textures as you cook.

I have a little ritual of checking out the flower garden and fountain garden before I go into the house.

Eating, reading or walking outside is a lovely break.

Yesterday, a small, few hour trip was canceled. I spent the first part of the time bringing my home back to order and doing a little puttering around. The second half I made cards, scrapbooked, created some bookmarks and other paper crafts. I love using found time like that for something renewing.

"Life is made of millions of moments, but we live only one of these moments at a time. As we begin to change this moment, we begin to change our lives." –Trinidad Hunt