Stop and Smell the Roses

Researching the expression "Stop and Smell the Roses", I found that it’s often expressed as “Wake up and smell the roses” which, in fact, is an erroneous and nonsensical rendition of “Wake up and smell the coffee” which means “get real”.  

Further research revealed something that was more lovely than I’d hoped. It’s believed that “Stop and Smell the Roses” could be misquoted advice from the golfer Walter Hagan that appeared in the 1956 book The Walter Hagan Story. 

You're only here for a short visit. Don't hurry. Don't worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way.

The time we have on this earth is way too short and we all take it so much for granted. We feel assured that there will be a tomorrow, and a day after, and a day after that. We plan accordingly and too often live for what will be rather than for what is today, in fact quite ignoring the here and now that we should be cherishing. 

A friend died this week, entirely unexpectedly. He’d not yet retired but was living the dream that he and his wife shared, a country house in Maine, with their beloved animals (her cats and his new dog Rufus), and all of the outdoor activity that would entail.

There’s a beginning, middle and an end to these lives we lead and we have no idea where we are in that continuum. Please ... “Stop and Smell the Roses”.

Roses for Greg          

Comments

[Valerie Jardin]

My thoughts exactly! Great post Claudia.

[Christie Dickerman]

I was thinking the same thing as I stood in line at the bagel shop behind a woman who seemed to be expending so much energy being surly and rude to a wonderful worker behind the counter. I kept thinking how much better it would feel, to her and Scott, if she simply tried to be nice and enjoy her day. I hoped for her that the rest of her day was better than how she had started.

After reading that post I am even more thankful that I get to enjoy my day today! It's only 10:30 but it's already been wonderful and I feel lucky to be surrounded by the friends and family that I have. I will stop and smell the tulips that just arrived from my brother :)

[retireme57@optonline.net]

An excellent post to read on this snowy day here in New Jersey........I always take time to stop and smell the roses, because as they also say "life is not a dress rehearsal". How sad he did not get to spend the time that he worked so hard for.......I saw pictures of Rufus and he is a beautiful dog, and even he will miss his best friend.

Thanks for the reminder.....Carl From a very snowy River Edge..........