23 Apr 2013

A - Z Challenge - T



The reflection of British wildflowers in emotions.
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Thymus praecox. Thoughtful.

From the base of small rounded aromatic leaves, little heads of mauve flowers emerge from the thymus in summer. Wild thyme is a lover of warm places--sun warmed rocks, slopes, downs and acid heath, lowland hills and mountain areas and on sea-cliffs and sand dunes in coastal areas. Many thymus species are used in medicine and as culinary herbs, but the wild variety contains fewer active ingredients. Thyme is used in many cough medicines and as a treatment for bronchitis.

Once mastered, the practice of being thoughtful is the greatest gift you can give; and not just to friends and loved ones on special occasions and holidays … but to everyone, always. And, as you establish yourself as thoughtful to others, they'll go out of their way to please you back.

Thoughtfulness is a habit; internalized, it becomes a way of life, a part of our being. But it does take practice. Where do we start? Our daily life. Here are some good practice exercises. Do this for 21 days, as that's how long it takes to form a new habit (actually, we don't "form" new habits as much as "replace" old, ineffective ones).

Thoughtful people don't wait, they "create" opportunities to make life brighter and more enjoyable for those around them. But, how? Simple things. Holding the door open for anyone near you, regardless of gender or appearance. Soon, it's automatic, and even comes with a smile (and a smile back in return). When a baby in a restaurant is making a bit more noise than is comfortable, and you see the parent looking embarrassed, smile and comment on how cute the baby is.


Proverb: The darkest hour is just before the dawn.

22 comments:

  1. Thymus is some thing new to me and those r some nice words on being thoughtful :)
    Good day

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  2. I'm glad I brought you new knowledge. ;-)

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  3. Thyme and thoughtful - excellent pairing. I find that many blogs, yours included, do make me think and perhaps be more thoughtful. Then again, I think writers in general are more attune to situations and reactions.

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    1. Writers are a thoughtful lot. Have to be to write books. Of course, so are bloggers. We're all winners.

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  4. Just lovely Francene thank you! I guess it is an art, which can be developed, and mastered as you say, and then one can see the rewards of helping to make things in daily life, just that bit brighter and lighter. Develop it until it becomes a habit. Spread it out - small gestures go a long way. Thank you!
    Susan Scott's Soul Stuff

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    1. You're so right. As humans, we depend on each other for survival.

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  5. Such a pretty mauve. Thoughtfulness is something most people have lost these days.

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    1. Modern life seems to be running ahead too fast. Children are addicted to ipods now. There's no room to teach them the gentle arts.

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  6. Gosh such pretty flowers! Purple is my favorite color. :)

    Proud to be able to say that I did something thoughtful today for my friend's birthday. It's hard work being thoughtful sometimes, but the reward - seeing your loved ones happy - is well worth the effort. :)

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    1. I believe other people's happiness warms your own heart.

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  7. My husband is incredibly thoughtful and always gets the door for me. If I reach for it, I'm in trouble.

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  8. I really like your points on thoughtfulness. Thanks for this post!

    www.modernworld4.blogspot.com

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    1. I had the help of millions of thoughts from the internet. Hehe.

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  9. What a wonderful post. I love "thyme" and agree that thoughtfulness is a bit more scarce than it was years ago.
    In our city we have started a "Pay It Forward" campaign where one who is the receiver of thoughtfulness pays it on to another. So far so good, maybe if it lasts 21 days it will be a habit??!!

    Patricia, Sugar & Spice & All Things ? Nice

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    1. That sounds like a worthwhile campaign. I wish it would take on amongst teenagers.

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  10. Thanks for visiting Buttercup's. Please stop by again. You're my featured blogger tonight.

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  11. Pretty purple flowers! And I love your take on being thoughtful. Everyone should take a cue from this post! Happy A-to-Z 2013! ~Angela, Whole Foods Living, http://www.wholefoodsliving.blogspot.com/

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    1. I've got the miniature thyme on a potplant. The white flowers are minute. The size of a pinhead.

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  12. Taking time to be thoughtful is the challenge in a busy city but it's so appreciated.

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