Enjoy Life to the Marrow

As a little girl, my sister and I would rummage around our grandpa’s orchard, picking apples and plums and eating them straight off the tree. There were a lot of red anthills that we’d jump around. We’d argue at who picked what and get scolded for being too loud. Last night before falling asleep, I couldn’t stop thinking about what it felt like running barefoot across the orchard — I can still feel the dirt through memory.

I’m someone who geeks out over fruit trees and and nature a lot. I think those days in the orchard built that small joy. Walking around my neighborhood and seeing the trees produce fruit is grounding for me. It takes so long for them to grow and everyday when I see them, it feels like not much has changed. But then suddenly it feels like the trees ripened overnight. Life feels like this to me. Tracing back to my favorite moments of my childhood; playing with my sister, making videos with my brother, going camping with my cousins — now I feel it all came and went too soon. My sister’s married and has a home, my brother lives across the country, we’re grown. It feels like it happened over night.

Seasons of life will always be reflected on as if they were gone in the blink of an eye unless we stop and really feel them when we’re in them. Breathe in the moments you spending cooking with your dad, ignore every distraction you’re on the phone with your mom. Listen to your friends and remember the things they tell you.

I’d give anything to run through that orchard with my sister again.

Be an active form of resistance against the natural pace of life.

Slow down, enjoy your life down to the marrow.

Stop thinking about where you would have been right now if travels weren’t canceled. Look at where you’re at, who’s around you, what you’re supposed to be learning.

If I was supposed to be across the world right now, I’d be there. My life is where I’m at. I owe it to myself to be here.

Don’t miss it.