5 Simple Pleasures For Today

I love to periodically stop and revel in life's simple pleasures. Sometimes we get too busy and take them for granted, failing to savor the moment. They aren't usually big things, but if you can learn to appreciate them they can help make your day. In an effort to not let these moments go to waste, I am going to post 5 simple pleasures once a week.

So, without further ado, here are 5 randomly chosen "simple pleasures" I enjoy:

1. Freshly ground coffee in the early morning

2. Snacks and a really interesting movie

3. A walk in the park/woods

4. Looking at the stars on a clear night

5. Sleeping in on a rainy day

So...what are 5 simple pleasures that you can think of today?

Benefits of Solitude

Solitude is a lost art these days. We live in a time of increased connectedness, and while I recognize the beauty of this global community, I do think there’s a need to step back from it on a regular basis.

Some of my favorite activities include being alone and away from all the sources of stress that can come from the outside world. I love to be alone with my thoughts and just disconnecting, finding the quiet.

Don’t get me wrong: I love being with loved ones, and chatting with a friend over common interests is something I appreciate. But solitude is an absolute necessity for me.

Here are just a few of the benefits I’ve found from solitude:

Allows you to reboot your brain and unwind.

Helps to improve concentration and increase productivity.

Gives you an opportunity to discover yourself and find your own voice.

Provides time for you to think deeply.

Aids you in working through problems more effectively.

Increases your self-esteem, which positively impacts your outside relationships as well.

There are many more benefits, those are just a few off the top off my head. The real benefits of solitude cannot be expressed through words, but must be found in doing.

So disconnect and find moments of quietness for yourself today. Make time to be alone. You don't have to be a hermit or a monk to reap the many benefits of solitude. Just make time for solitude, and I guarantee you'll be in agreement with me about it's importance. :)