Right In Our Own Backyards

Monday, April 15, 2013

Yesterday was a gorgeous day so I took my kids to Central Park in NYC. I don't live in the city but I love New York and go quite often. Since they've been little, I've loved bringing my kids to that magical oasis in the middle of the most bustling city in the world. We would sit on the grass, climb the rocks and eat ice cream. We've gone skating and boating and rode the kiddie rides. And each time we go, the kids are little older and there are new things to discover.


But what was really special about yesterday was that I was finally able to watch my kids truly enjoy Central Park the way that I myself have always enjoyed it. I believe in making it a point to notice the joyous details that lay right before us, even in the most mundane moments of our lives. There's always a silver lining to every story and there's always something beautiful to perceive...if only we'd open our eyes and choose to see. What a great feeling it was to observe that positive attitude that I've worked on my whole life, reflected back to me by my own kids!
It's easy to get distracted by all the negatives: The fears, the fights, the messes, the mess ups, the insecurities and the pain. But if we'd take just a moment to switch the glasses we wear to see the beautiful details that are right in our own backyards, we could change the way we see our world.
As we walked through the city it wasn't only I who was thrilled by the beauty before us, but it was also my kids who pointed out a beautiful tree or a fabulous detail that I may have otherwise not noticed. Watching my kids feel the joy of the details was more joyful than actually noticing them myself. 


As if it's our own backyard, we've explored New York many times. But yesterday felt like our first time there. Wouldn't it be nice if we viewed the people and things we love with the passion of seeing their beauty anew every day?


Until next time,

xo

Sharon

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13 comments

  1. Great photos. You are right - it's so easy to take for granted familiar places. So nice too when children appreciate and admire the little things.
    http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/

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  2. Lucky you, Sharon, to live close enough to New York to visit often. It must have been wonderful sharing those moments in the park and city with your kids. I try to sometimes take myself "out of myself" and try to envision my home, my town and even my husband as if I'm seeing them for the first time ... it's always a revelation, you notice so much more when seeing things with new eyes. You're right, we take so much for granted with what we have at our fingertips everyday. Tnanks so much for your lovely comment, Sharon ... have a wonderful and inspiring new week! xo ~S

    SANDY M Illustration
    http://oohlafroufrou.blogspot.com

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  3. Beautiful photos and a beautiful attitude. Thanks for sharing. Looks like a perfect day. xo

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  4. What a great reminder to get out there and enjoy your city!

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  5. Such a lovely post Sharon. I've been seeing my city (London) with the same eagerness since I have been back after 12 years away.It's amazing what I didn't appreciate the first time around.

    How lucky you are to live so close to NYC and what a lovely reminder to all of us to see things as though for the first time :-)

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  6. We were just talking on the weekend about our trip to New York and how it's time to go back again. I loved Central Park - especially the view from the veranda at the Boathouse were we ate brunch.
    The city is full of great architectural detail and a boat load of energy.
    Good that you had time wandering with your children - those are the best days.

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  7. beautiful! what a great outlook on life.

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  8. I love your outlook Sharon! Spring is really one of the most beautiful times in NYC. I need to get up to Central Park soon.

    Rowena @ rolala loves

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  9. I think one of the best thing about having a child is that you get to have "fresh eyes" again! Every little bug and leaf is a miracle from G-d, and you get reminded of that every day.

    Love your posts, always so upbeat and inspiring. :-D

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  10. Such a lovely day and time spent with your kids:) Beautiful pictures Sharon!

    xxleslie

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  11. Sharon a very poignant post; you always inspire me to see the positive side of everything! Your children must be very special, like their Mother,

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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