Our Rural Roots

Meredith Bernard, Contributor

We've all heard the sayings, and many of us (myself included) have bought the Hobby Lobby signs: "Don't sweat the small stuff ... and it's all small stuff." Or "Enjoy the little things in life, for someday you will realize they were the big things."

These sayings have become cliche and, by many, considered overused. I get that. But honestly, it's hard not to see the truth in them. Have you noticed how hectic life has become not only despite, but dare I say because, of the technology invented to make it easier?

The older I get, the more I long for simpler times. Times like my childhood when our rotary dial phones hung on the wall and didn't follow us everywhere. I'd give anything for another Sunday afternoon in my Granny's backyard, playing with my cousins under the shade of the wide arms of her magnolia tree. I long to squeeze into my dad's truck with my brother for a drive down country dirt roads just to see what we could see. I need a few more summer days reading books, cross-stitching or going for a swim in our neighbor's pond.

I grieve that my children will never know some of these times. Sure, we can limit screen time and kick them outside, but the world is different than it was back then. Even so, we can stop to take joy in simple pleasures and make room for more.

As spring buds around us, it's a good time to remember not to let busy get the best of us. Take the trip. Buy the ice cream. Visit family. Call that long-lost friend. Stop and smell the honeysuckle (or even the manure). Trade scrolling time for real-time strolling. Make memories from the moments.

Write your own saying or slogan this spring and make it happen. It's that simple.

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-- Meredith Bernard writes, tends to farm and family, and searches for simple from North Carolina. Follow her on social media @thisfarmwife and visit her website at https://thisfarmwife.com/…

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