Life's Little Details

I was walking to school the other day when I heard a familiar sound above my head. 5 swans glided overhead, wings spread, calling gently to one another as they descended to the earth below. Such a simple sight, but my spirits lifted and I felt drawn to go find those beautiful birds. That day was coming to a close, so today, we found them! Unlikely the same birds, but regardless, we drove to the Snake River behind R-mountain and found 5 swans! One of them, featured below, made the point to circle us twice before heading off to the trees as if it knew we were there to admire them!

Today's drive and nature walk only lasted an hour or two as I have been swamped in work and school. I have yearned for short breaks to bask in the crisp autumn air. Whether it be to sit on the front porch to watch the sun set into the trees, or to sit on the back porch and watch the squirrels gather food and play. I have been reminded of a lesson my dad put in words to me recently: "...Everything in this world is either dying or growing at any given moment. It takes tremendous effort to pursue the growth. It takes determination when you know you have none left. It makes the greatest difference when it is hardest to do. You do that in the smallest ways with what is right in front of you, not what you would prefer would be in front of you instead."

To live, what does that really look like at any given moment? What does life, success, growth, etc., look like right now where you sit or stand? Look around you at life's moments passing by and the many faces and lives (not just human) that are living, growing, and dying around you. It's a lot to take in when you try to understand and follow each moment and each story. Then look within, at you. Focus on that breath you take, that steadfast heart beat. You are alive, here, now! Don't discount that.

Pictures from this week that stood out to me, enjoy :)