My granny has been on my mind a lot lately. It's funny when loved ones that have passed tend to start popping up in your thoughts more. In a way, it's very comforting because you feel like it's a gentle nudge of letting you know they are still around and still guiding you.
I was fortunate to spend more time with my grandparents than most people do. Growing up, I lived right next door to them, allowing me to easily pop over and say hello whenever I wanted. My grandmother was not only a neighbor but also a paraprofessional at my elementary school. I was lucky to see her in the hallways during the school day, giving me even more opportunities to connect and spend time with her. However, if I could pick all the places, I got to spend time with my granny was at her childhood home. Every summer we would spend our vacation in the place where I now know was some of her happiest moments on earth.
My grandmother's upbringing was rooted in a farm that stretched towards the Albarmarle Sound in North Carolina. The land held stories of echoes of my great grandaddy working hard in the fields and my great grandmother nurturing the household. She used to love sharing the memory of her mother's simple morning ritual - waking up at 4 am to enjoy a piece of cake she had baked the day before, paired with a cup of coffee. It was her mother's way of finding joy and comfort in the quiet of the early morning before diving into the tasks that awaited her throughout the day.
If I had to recount a cherished memory there, it's the time I spent with my great granddaddy. Sitting on the front porch with my great granddaddy, listening to the creak of the rocking chair as he swatted flies with his fly swatter. The simple joy of watching him gaze out at the fields while I sat by his side holds a special place in my heart.
When I reflect on when I felt like my granny was the happiest, and I remember my best childhood memories I have. Those moments were all at a place where there was no technology, where people had to work a little harder for their food, and where my siblings ran around barefoot from sun up to sun down. It was a place where our imagination ran wild and our minds gave us plenty of games to do. Those simple times filled with outdoor adventures and creative play are etched in my mind as some of the happiest moments of my life.
As social media continues to become more of the eye of the beholder and people continue to crave instant gratification in all areas of our lives, it's important to remember that we have an innate sense to find more peace in a homestead life. I don't think I have ever met someone who said that when their life slowed down and simplified, they felt depressed or anxious. On the contrary, most people experience a surge in energy, feel happier, and are less stressed. Taking a step back and simplifying our lives can often lead to a clearer perspective and a sense of calm. It allows us to focus on what truly matters and eliminate the unnecessary clutter that weighs us down. Embracing simplicity can bring about a great sense of contentment and satisfaction, as we learn to appreciate the beauty in life's little moments.
I personally believe that for our culture and society to thrive in the future, we must strike a balance between simpler pleasures like running barefoot in the yard and fulfilling responsibilities such as tending to fields. These moments of tranquility provide us with a sense of peace that is essential for our well-being. If we lose touch with these grounding experiences, we risk succumbing to depression and disconnecting from the spiritual presence around us. In a world filled with noise and chaos, it is crucial to cherish the quiet moments that allow us to reconnect with ourselves and the world around us. Only then can we truly appreciate the beauty and harmony that exist in our lives.
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