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Everyday Living...
I have a great life, is it perfect... No, it is not. I have had comments from Facebook friends saying that it seems like I have it all figured out. Little do they know... lol. Just so you all know, I don't put everything on Social Media, especially the really personal things.
I have to admit, my life has all of the elements I have dreamed of: a loving husband, great kids, wonderful friends, work with a purpose, plus a healthy strong body. Is this all by accident? Once I set the intention and was clear on what I wanted, life changed for me. I have worked very hard to have all these elements in my life.
This time of year is so crazy for me, with the Fabulous at 50 Experience on November 1st and the Be Fabulous magazine. Also this year, to add a little extra fun, we are doing shows in Red Deer and Grande Prairie. I do love a challenge!
I get to go to fun events, meet wonderful people and travel to incredible places. But it is in the everyday moments that I find are the greatest gifts, even the shitty ones.
A few weeks ago our upstairs toilet plugged, and since my husband only has the use of his left arm, I got to be the two armed plumber in charge of lifting and cleaning out the toilet. Take my word for it; three arms are not better than two. My husband gives great instructions, but it was one of the most unpleasant things I have done in a while. We did fix it, but you may ask why didn't we call a plumber. It wasn't because we couldn't afford to. What I realized was that it is these everyday tasks that ground us. A friend of mine, who is also an entrepreneur told me she likes to scrub her own floors, because it keeps her grounded and reminds her to stay humble.
This fall I have been really drawn to making pickles and canning tomatoes. I haven't done this in over 20 years, but found so much pleasure in stuffing the jars with cucumbers, pouring the hot liquid over them and lining my shelves. As I get busier and don't have as much time to do all ofthe domestic chores, I am finding more pleasure in doing these ordinary tasks. As a person who is always planning the next event and the next party, being present and in the moment has not always been the easiest for me, but I think I have finally gotten there. I can be, right here, right now, and enjoy the cool air, and the warm sun like never before.
As I was riding my bike over the weekend, riding through the trails in the river valley, I took in all these moments. Feeling the coolness of fall as I rode through the shady areas and then feeling the skin on my bare arms warming up as I came out into the sun; the beauty of the leaves falling from the trees along with the smell of burning leaves... incredible. That Sunday bike ride is etched into my memory forever. I thought of a time in the future when I am very old and no longer able to ride my bike, and this September day will come back to me through all my senses.
Dianna Bowes is the founder of Fabulous of50 and the editor of Be Fabulous! Magazine.
Dianna was the winner of the 2011 YWCA Women of Distinction Award in the Turning Point category and the 2014 Leader of Tomorrow Business Award. She is a creative soul, who loves connecting people and embracing life. Travel, great food, family, friends and a long bike ride on a sunny day is her definition of great life.