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Gathering More Than Strawberries: Finding Nourishment in the Simple Things

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There is something so beautiful about being able to walk into a berry patch and pick food with your own hands.


I came for the strawberries, but I left with so much more.

I’ve been feeling especially grateful for the simple gifts that nourish us, not only the food we eat, but the moments that bring us back to ourselves.

Remembering my childhood days, berrypicking with my dad and siblings. There were so many of us.

Standing among the strawberry plants, reaching down to pick each little berry, I found myself appreciating just how much abundance surrounds us when we slow down enough to notice it. Sometimes nourishment comes in ways we don’t expect.

Yes, these strawberries will nourish my body. They are fresh, sweet, and full of goodness. But there was another kind of nourishment happening as I wandered through the patch—sunshine, the earth beneath my feet, the shared fellowship with my friend, and the simple picking something with my own hands.


Sometimes you have to look beneath the surface to discover what’s ready to nourish you.

We live in a world where most of our food comes neatly packaged and ready to eat.

There was something grounding about bending down, reaching into the green leaves and discovering a beautiful red strawberry waiting to be picked.

It reminded me that there is something deeply satisfying about returning to the simple things.


From blossom to berry, there is beauty in every stage of becoming.

Look closely and you’ll find abundance.

One little strawberry plant can offer so much. A patch filled with them becomes almost magical—a sea of green leaves dotted with little bursts of red.

It made me pause and think about how often abundance is right in front of us, yet we rush past it without noticing.


Sometimes, nourishment looks like simply being here.

I’m learning that nourishment isn’t only about what we put on our plate.

It’s also about what we allow into our lives. The places we spend time. The people we surround ourselves with. The moments we choose to slow down and savour.

So, as I stood in that strawberry patch with a basket filling one berry at a time, I felt grateful. Grateful for the earth.

Grateful for the hands that planted and cared for these berries. And grateful that I could simply be there, picking fruit that would nourish my body while the experience itself nourished something deeper within me.

From my little corner of the world.

Sue

P.S.
“Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit.”
— Henry David Thoreau

The Season After Survival: Learning to Just Bee

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It’s been many months since I last sat down to write.

My previous blog, A Pause Between Chapters: The Gift Within Divorce, shared some of the most difficult and transformative years of my life. I wrote about loss, healing, horses, nature and the unexpected gifts that can emerge from heartbreak. At the time, I was learning how to survive. I was learnhing who I was apart from the roles I had held for decades. I was finding my footing again.

But then what happens after survival?

What happens when the crisis has passed, the tears are not as frequent, or almost non existent and life no longer feels like something you have to fight your way through?

Surrendering to just be.

Recently, I found myself sitting quietly in a field watching the sunset. There was nowhere I needed to be and nothing I needed to do. I was simply present with the beauty of the moment.

As I sat there, a bumble bee buzzed softly near me, and then there was nothing. Where did it go? I then felt a tickle on my bare foot.

At first, I felt a slight apprehensiveness. My first instinct was to move, to protect myself, and to make it leave. But then deep within me, I felt the need to just stay put, and allow. I took a breath, calming my whole being, and remained still and observed what my new little friend was up to.

For the next several minutes, that little bee wandered around my foot as if it had no where else to be. It wasn’t in a hurry. It wasn’t trying to accomplish anything. It was simply being.

Eventually, it lifted off, made a few circles around me, and flew away.

I sat and pondered on what just took place. As strange as it may sound to others, for me, it was truly a life lesson.

For so much of my life, I have been planning, working, fixing, helping, healing, striving, and moving toward the next thing. Yet in that moment, the bee reminded me that there is wisdom in simply being fully present. There is true beauty in surrendering to the moment rather than trying to control it.

Sometimes we don’t need to do more.

Sometimes we just simply need to be.

A day or two later, I came across an old house standing quietly on a golf course nearby. I figured it must be at least a hundred years old. Beautifully weathered by time, yet still standing strong in structure. Bright yellow flowers and deep green grass surrounds it, creating a scene that was unexpectedly beautiful on that warm spring day.

I found myself wondering about the stories that old wooden structure could tell if it could speak.

I imagined the joyful laughter it may have heard. The soft tears it may have witnessed. The day dreams that may have lived within its walls.

It truly reminded me that we are all like that old weathered unique looking house.

Each and every day of our lives becomes part of our story we create. Some chapters are filled with immense joy and laughter, while others hold loss, change, uncertainty and growth. Every experience leaves its solid imprint.

Yet no matter what has taken place before, we only ever truly have today.

Yesterday is our memories.

Tomorrow is a possiblity.

And today is where life is actually happening. This very moment.

I believe that this is what the season of my life is teaching me.

Not how to survive.

Not how to heal.

But how to be present. Fully present in all that I do.

To sit with a magnificent sunset.

To welcome natures bumble bees.

To appreciate a unique old weathered house and the stories it holds.

To trust that this moment, exactly as it is, is enough.

After years of learning how to survive, I am finally learning the gift of simply being.

Or perhaps, just bee-ing.

From my little corner of the world,

Sue

P.S. “Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have.” — Eckhart Tolle

Thank you for reading and do feel free to share. I would appreciate that so very much. And if you would like to support my writings, please tap on the red coffee cup link on the bottom right, and treat me to a cup of coffee— for this I am so very grateful.

The Uncharted Path: Confronting Information Overload and Finding Direction

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My head is swimming! It’s swimming with an overload of information of what to do, how to do it, who can help me, what to listen to, can I do it, what are people going to think of me, is my decision the right decision, do I start when everything is perfectly ready (which it never will be, mind you).

What if I fail, yet what if someone’s life changes for the good, because of what I’ve put out there to the whole wide world? UGH!!!

“Swirling thoughts within the snowstorm.”

Do you ever have these inner thoughts swirling around like a tornado in your head, such as these? Many of us do, and what happens, is we tend to do absolutely nothing about them. Only for the simple reason, is we get overwhelmed and we just don’t know where to start.

We often sit in a state of confusion of not knowing where to begin. But let me tell you, just taking one little step, in one direction, or choosing one little task is the beginning of what could be the biggest step you’ve ever taken in your life.

Take that first step, even if you need a helping hand to get started.
“Take that first step, even if you need a helping hand to get started.“

This past Sunday, was a “down” day for me. Very low key, pondering my life, and just being present within. We all have those days. Then on Monday, I got another surge of spunk in my step, and an urge to get going, with all of my many irons that are in the fire. 

I listen to many, many podcasts, informational Youtube Channels, read exceptionally well authored self-help books, sit in meditation and collaborate with others upon ideas that may have an astronomical effect on my life moving forward. For all these things, I am truly grateful.

"In the stillness, comes profound awareness, a tranquill space where the whispers of our innermost thoughts are heard, and the essense of our being becomes clear."
“In the stillness comes a profound awareness, a tranquil space where the whispers of our innermost thoughts are heard, and the essence of our being becomes clear.”

One of my most favorite, highly regarded motivational speakers and philosophers, to whom I have been immersed into his content lately, is the late Jim Rohn, a farm boy who grew up in the state of Idaho. Many of Jim’s heartfelt teachings are such an inspiration to me in my day to day living. Many of his notable insights of life, have truly assisted me in my journey these past two years and continue to do so.

I would like to share with you, some of Jim’s most highly repeated content quotes that I lean on often.

  1. “Don’t wish it were easier; wish you were better.
  2. “Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying basic fundamentals.”
  3. “Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.”
  4. “The major value in life is not what you get. The major value in life is what you become.”
  5. “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
  6. “Don’t join an easy crowd; you won’t grow. Go where the expectations and the demands to perform are high.”
  7. “Work harder on yourself than you do on your job.”
  8. “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
  9. “Success is doing ordianry things extraodianarily well.”
  10. “Don’t let your learning lead to knowledge. Let your learning lead to action.”

Jim Rohn’s teachings often emphasize personal development, the importance of mindset, and taking responsibility of one’s life with continual learning.  We only have one life to live, so we better make it the best one we can imagine.

Are you ready to take that first step? Life is awaiting.

From Home on the Ranch

Sue

P.S. “Life is not merely to be alive, but to be well, to be aware, to feel deeply, and to live fully in each moment.” Sue Fraser

Thank you for reading and do feel free to share and if you would like to support my writings and photography, please click on the coffee cup link to the right and treat me to a coffee-it really does help.

So Very Grateful

Unveiling the Uncharted: Navigating Life’s Unconventional Paths and Igniting Your Inner Spark

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When you look out to the horizon of your journey in life, many see a path of routine and predictability. It’s a path that is hugely driven by many people. Yet there is a road that is less trodden, that is barely visible by the overwhelming or uncomfortableness and insecurities within us.

What if you are at a fork in the road of life, and you come to a full stop. You turn around and you look back over the days, the months, the years of what you’ve done, what you’ve accomplished, yet you also see the fading dreams of the many things your heart desired to do, but never had the courage to do it. You ponder all that comes to mind. Then it is time to move forward, and make a choice as to which road moving forward you will take.

Will you continue to walk in the path of routine? Or do you feel deep down in your soul, that it is time to stand out and weave your new path, regardless of the uncertainty of what lies ahead. All that you know is that there is a spark deep within you that has wanted to ignite into a burning inferno, to let the world know who you truly are for some time now. You were just afraid, and insecure to take that first step.

To stand out, and weave your own path can be intimidating and challenging, being in fear of judgment of another. Being in fear of the unknown. Fear no more. The unknown is the path of possibility.  

It’s’ time to ignite that inner spark that explodes into an amazing colorful fireworks display, over and over and over again. Take that road less travelled. Pave your way to a new beginning. Breathe fire into your true authenticity. Be distinctive in your journey. The world is awaiting your rebirth to who you truly are and what it is you were placed on this earth for. It’s never to late, and your never to old.

A rare gem isn’t noticed, until it is polished and shined to reveal its true sparkling beauty.

Surround yourself with people who see your potential. Who will challenge you and make your thoughts and dreams dance in the realness of what could be. Not what you are, but what you can become.

They will be your cheerleader’s along the way. They will also be there sitting in the mud with you when the tough gets going, and the going gets tough, and you have thoughts of quitting, but they won’t allow you too.

Your new journey to stand out in the world, doesn’t require monumental leaps. It only needs consistent purposeful steps.

Your life begins with a possibility that begins with you, with your choice to embrace your uniqueness. To flourish like a colorful spring flower in bloom.

Carry with you the understanding that to stand out, is not to be seen, but to be felt, to leave an imprint on the world that whispers:

“I was here. I mattered. I made a difference.”

Be unapologetic of who you are. There is only one of you. And you are special.

There is a song to sing within all of us, just waiting to be sung. A melody of our distinct thoughts, dreams and ideas. To stand out, you must find the courage to sing your solo, even at the times when you want to blend in with the chorus.

Just know, your song doesn’t need to sound like anyone else’s. It’s your tune and yours alone.

Won’t you begin to sing your song today? All the while, walking the path less traveled?

From Home on the Ranch

Sue

P.S. When we step into the unknown, the endless possibilities of life surround us. It is then, and only then that we realize the changes we can make within ourselves. 

Sue Fraser

Just a little side note:

As my life continues to unfold, as a single lady, I love to write my thoughts from the voice within on this blogging platform. Firstly in a form of therapy for me, and secondly, that I may assist someone else in their journey of life.

I have added a feature that supports me in a nominal way from you, the audience. It’s called “Buy me a Coffee.” The coffee cup logo is located in the bottom right hand corner of my blog.

It’s a simple and friendly way for fans to express appreciation by contributing the cost of a virtual coffee. This voluntary gesture assists creators such as me to sustain my work and continue to produce the content I share, that the reader enjoys.

I like to think of it as you and I, sitting down at your table, sharing my thoughts from within….while enjoying a hot cup of coffee.

So if you feel up to joining me from my “Thoughts from the Voice Within”, and that hot cup of coffee, I would be so ever grateful.

“Earthly Harmony: Nurturing Wellness Through Connection”

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I had the opportunity to meet a number of new people at my workplace this past weekend, at the local city curling rink. One particular younger, good looking gal, came by for a glass of water. I struck up a conversation on how her game had gone. “Great!” she replied.

She went on to tell me that she and her team mate would be playing again in 30 minutes, and she was feeling a bit on the tired side. My first thought and suggestion to her, was to go outside for a walk on this beautiful warm November day. Get some fresh air, and enjoy a lovely jaunt around the block in the great outdoors. “It will do wonders for you.” I told her. She agreed.

To connect with nature, is such a spiritual experience, that can renew us from within. As I stepped outside early this morning, heading to my regular gym “me” time, I stopped to gaze up into the dark clear sky, only to see so many brilliant bright twinkling stars. Way to many to count. As my eyes gazed across the vast open air, taking it all in, I verbally said aloud “Thank you Universe, God, Creator, Ancestors, Medicine Woman, Dad. I am so grateful to be alive. Thank you for the beauty of this earth.”

Although we are human beings, we are also nature beings, created from the same source as animal, plants and even rocks. The earth we’ve been gifted, calls for us to connect so that we can feel balanced and whole, a part of the universe.

Have you ever hugged a tree? It feels so good! So healing. So empowering and energizing. It’s strength of wood is a comfort in its amazing solidness and as one leans against it, one can feel the solid support from its might trunk. When I wrap my arms around the tree trunk, it’s as if the tree is hugging back. You should try this sometime. Pick a tree, and come back to it often, to be grounded, energized and feel a sense of healing.

To be outdoors, awakens the senses. We tend to breathe more deeply, taking in all the scents around us. Depending where you are and the season upon you, the air may smell like deep green pine needles, fragrant fresh blooming flowers of all kinds and colors, and maybe the air is smokey from wild burning forest fires.

Calming walk on the beach.

Walking on the beach, feeling the sand between our toes, can create a calm and relaxing feeling all the while listening to the tides of the water roll onto the shore and recede back again. Our toes could become chilled, and our bodies feel a bit more rigid, as we coast side to side, down the bright big snowy mountain, with the wind whipping at our faces. Yet, we could feel refreshed standing in the mild gentle rain that trickled down our face, washing all our worries and concerns away, even if it is just for a moment.

Crisp snowy ski trails of the Rockie Mountains of Alberta

Stepping outside on any given day, can bring many different natural earthly sounds and sensations in the body, from flies, bees, and bugs buzzing, to the roaring sound and feeling of the mighty wind against our skin, or we can stop, and bask in the incredible peace of silence, which at times can be so very deafening.

Connecting with mother earth and the nature that is given to us, evokes a sense of awe and wonderment about the vast universe. The Canadian Rockies can be so humbling as you pass through them, and the magical colors of the rainbow intrigue us every time one appears in the sky. Witnessing and experiencing all that nature and mother earth has to offer us, connects us as one……….if we allow it.

The Beautiful Alberta Canadian Skies

Be present, as often as you can in the great outdoors. The more we become one with nature, the more it has to offer us. It is a never ending place of enjoyment, healing, renewing of our bodies and mind which in turn can enhance and enlighten our intuition.

From Home on the Ranch

Sue

P.S. “Be still. Sit quiet. Listen to the surroundings of your being as you sit in the great outdoors. It will teach you so much, if you allow it.” Sue Fraser