{meg's musings}

{source}

I've been so caught up in my seemingly never-ending to-do lately, that I've been neglecting to be in the present. Even when Joel and cuddle up on the couch to catch last week's New Girl or HIMYM, I find myself trying to do some other task at the same time, like last night I was making a grocery list on my phone. Ridic. It makes for an inward, joy-deprived way to live. One thing I've been thinking about this week is how I'd like to be more intentional about taking time out of each day to do something kind toward someone in my life (or a stranger), whether it be sending a card, an encouraging email/text, cooking/baking for them, making something for them, or whatever.. Trying not to beat myself up about being so terrible at it but rather work toward changing it.

On a somewhat related note, have I mentioned before how much I hate that busy-ness is so valued in our culture?! That we seem to have this belief that life is more meaningful/complete if you are super busy all the time? I envy Europeans' way of lingering over coffee, as Erika observed on her recent trip abroad. They don't seem to be constantly in a hurry like we are; they are there in the moment soaking up time with people in their lives. I think their priorities are much more in line.

And on a definitely unrelated note, some of my favorite links from the week :)

-- this knock-my-socks-off-beautiful Indian wedding
-- new adorable kid art from the lovely lisa
-- healthy food for camping or hiking
-- drooling over this chicken and rice bowl recipe (but keeping meals super simple (cheap) right now)
-- a helpful tutorial for a fun party (or decorative) garland

hope you all take the time to linger over coffee this weekend!