…of Glimmers, Shimmers and Big Burly Bikes..

I have recently been seeing a Facebook post make it’s rounds describing what is referred to as a ‘glimmer’. It states that they are micro moments in your day that make you feel joy, happiness, peace or gratitude, with the idea being that the more you look for glimmers, then more of these moments will begin to appear. My daughter, even at having been at such a young age, did that so effortlessly.

I would like to think that in my newer surroundings I have, indeed, noted a number of unexpected things that bring me those glimmers. Many of mine might be tiny enough, though, to be more of a little shimmer.. kind of fleeting. At any rate I do hope that continuing to see these will be part of my weekly life, if not daily life going forward.

I’ve seen/felt some recent setbacks in my life. Nothing too dramatic or even truly life changing, but enough to be pretty discouraging. The type of stuff that easily distracts focus into mainly problem solving, rather than appreciating what might be around me. I don’t really like this me. I would rather be the more stress free and amazing moment seeking me.

Our area recently had a bike week. Yes, this is a most definitely lake area here, but man…. I have noticed that the local businesses and area inhabitants go out of their way to be super welcoming to any number of diverse groups at any given time. And during that particular week I would swear I have seen more bikes than an entire year at my previous home area. And until now I am not sure I had any real idea of just how many different types of motor bikes there are to be found. There were big, beefy shiny black motorcycles to little bitty go fast ones. There was a pink one, a teal one, a white one and an orange one – I think they were traveling together. There were very ultra modern ones, to gorgeous classic ones. Beautiful ornate ones to downright bad-a ones. Thunderously roaring ones to the smaller and sleeker zzzoooommming ones.

As the week wound down, we went to breakfast that Sunday morning at a local pancake house. Besides our table and one other small table that was occupied by a local regular. The entire remaining dining area was packed full of bikers.

Their conversations floated through the room and it became quickly apparent that this group was very passionate about their biking adventures. Some talking about past trips and get togethers, and some discussing upcoming ones. They seemed excited about not only the places they had been or were going and the sights they would see, but also who they would meet up with along the way.

They appeared to be really living their glimmers, not just noticing small ones. Their happy, their joy, their gratitude and even their peace was right out there on full display! In their shared camaraderie their glimmers seemed more like a particularly beautiful and thoroughly enjoyed fireworks display.

I must admit I felt a bit envious. I seems harder and harder for me to see my own little glimmers. And so I work harder and harder to find them. Vicious little cycle, and without the desired outcome.

I found myself wanting to be more like those bikers. So me, being me, had to then ask my friend who rides what it is that draws her into going for that ride, and what feelings or memories does it maybe invoke. Now I am not planning to run right out and buy myself a lovely little lady Harley (is that a thing?), but I really did want to know. I thought maybe this might give me some sort of guidance to more effectively find my own glimmers.

She said that for her it is the peace of just her, the Lord and the road. No phone, no talking, and freedom to go where she chooses. Hmmm… I think perhaps I am overthinking this whole thing.

Last night I got to go to a staff appreciation get together/dinner. I was really good food, with really great people, in a lovely area down by the lake. There was nothing pressing about work or life in general discussed during that time. It was just a time to relax, to be in the moment, and to enjoy the good company, surroundings and scenery.

Remembering it this morning, it got me to thinking that maybe I just need to do some of that. Take time to be near others, whose company and presence I enjoy. Be in surroundings that I find peace and comfort in. Take time to do something that is just for me, something that I am passionate about. Find or make some quiet me time, and prayer and reflection time. Purpose to quit always doing, and to just be for a bit. And maybe someday those glimmers will come as effortlessly as they did to my daughter, and as they do to those bikers..