How a Chore Became a Gift

Today, I turned my time in the garden into a mindfulness practice.

I listened to the birds, felt the damp soil beneath my hands, and breathed in the scent of rain-soaked earth. With each deep breath, I let go of a little stress and allowed myself to feel grounded—literally and emotionally—supported by the earth beneath me.

And you know what? I felt lighter. I actually enjoyed what I was doing—yes, enjoyed it. When I see weeding as a chore (it’s one of those tasks I usually dread), it feels heavy, unpleasant, like something I just need to get through. But when I focused on the experience itself, it became something restorative.

I also didn’t set out with a plan to finish everything today. I wandered from one spot to another, letting curiosity and intuition lead the way. I left parts unfinished and stopped before I was worn out, knowing I could always return another day.

It wasn’t about completing the task—it was about taking it one step at a time, moving at my own pace, allowing space for detours and pauses.

Of course, sometimes stepping away just isn’t possible. Whether it’s work, school, or home, things need to get done. But even then, how you approach the task can make all the difference.

Taking a moment to slow down, refocus, and breathe can help you feel calmer and more in control.

If I push through just to get the weeding done I might succeed, but I’ll likely be too tired to notice the other gifts the day has to offer. There’s a time to weed, and there’s a time to pause. Today reminded me that both are important.

A thought to hold:
Not everything has to be finished today. You’re allowed to pause, follow your curiosity, and enjoy the process rather than rush to the finish line.

Try this:
Is there something on your list today that feels like a chore or that you usually rush through? What if you slowed down a bit and really paid attention? You might find more calm — or even a little bit of wonder.