Savoring

Dear Readers,

Have you ever smelled something in the present that brought back happy memories from the past? That happened to Mr. UT and I today, as he was taking me across one of our favorite bridges that goes over the Minnesota River. We could smell the river smells so strongly. It’s a unique smell, different than that of an ocean or a lake. We both grew up in Wisconsin, and have fond memories of fishing and boating on many of the rivers there.

Mr. UT and I have been together so long, we are always reminiscing about the fun experiences we had in the past.

As we were going along, we saw so many muskrats eating, and moving about, and stopped and took a video of one little guy, who was swimming so close to us. The rivers here in Minnesota are very high, due to all of the snow we had this year.

Later, as I reflected on the adventure, as I like to call our outings, I was reminded that I saw an article in a magazine, that discussed the word savoring in terms of appreciation of life and happiness.

I also found this great article about what savoring is and isn’t.

From the above article in PositivePsychology.com, there are three types of savoring.

3 Types of savoring

1. Savoring the past, also known as reminiscence. For example, remembering funny moments from school with a friend.
2. Savoring the present or savoring the moment. For instance, enjoying a new meal by drawing your attention to the flavors and smells.
3. Savoring the future, also referred to as anticipation. For example, visualizing the trip you have planned with your partner for this upcoming weekend.

There are also different levels of savoring.

There is some overlap with mindfulness and gratitude, however the author argues that savoring is a broader term.

This made me think, of ways I do or don’t savor things in my life, and how I can increase it.

Photos from past happy times always helps my appreciation of life. Smells, a sound or something I see will remind of a past event that was fun or meaningful.

The two most important ways I savor life in the preset, are by getting outside and taking nature photos. It forces me to focus on something outside myself, and to be more observant.

Savoring the future is tricky at times, because of some of my physical limitations, such as not being able to drive far. So I am trying to focus on how to savor what I can look forward to. Right now, I am savoring the day I can walk again. Then I’ll focus on an easy travel plan, or a dinner with friends. It will be little things, but will be happy times.

One of the biggest obstacles that stands in the way of my ability to savor life, is comparing my life to other people’s. I still struggle with that, and of course, I think my life looks boring in comparison. I also tend to “wish” away life, such as I “wish I had more money” , or “I wish I could do that”.

So, I have work to do! LOL

And funny enough, I savor going to PT, (which happens today), because I look forward to be able to get out of the house, as well as seeing people, and you get free coffee there!! Also my PT guys are cute and nice! Oh, and Mr. UT makes sure I get a fancy coffee after if it’s not too late!

With a Hop,

On Day 3158,

Wendy