what does it mean to "stop and smell the roses"?

to me it means to slow down everything and realize the good things you have, the love you feel every day, and to know that there a roses at your feet even if you run by them

 

To stop and smell the roses: to me means to sit back and assimilate what you have accomplished in life and enjoy it. To take a minute to apprecieate lifes blessings, to look out and see the beauty of the mountains, oceans and forests. To smell the smells of the earth and breath in it's splendor. To go inside yourself and be thankful for your abundance. To reflect on the love that you are honoured with and to feel the goodness of the heart. A time to collect wisdoms learned and make priorties. Ahh to stop and smell the roses of life. Enjoy.

 

On the other hand, the rose is a Christian symbol of love and resurrection, so the usage may refer to a deeper spiritual or mystic experience.

 

It just mean sit back, and enjoy the blessings we're given.
It's amazing how many WONDERFUL things there are in the world, amidst all of the war.
It's called nature, man.

 

It does mean to sit back and enjoy what you have...remind yourself of what you are working for...enjoy the fruits of your labor so far...give yourself a breather. It's important to connect and reflect, otherwise you can lose sight of what's truly important.

 

Good idea.
Meditation on what we're eating makes up appreciate it more, which causes us to 'want not - need not.'

 

That phrasology is used because you can't smell them if you are too busy going past, you have to slow down to appreciate what a rose has to offer,and the fact that its a small enjoyment that would go by without notice. Most of life is made up of small things of pleasure and beauty, not the big OMFG ones. Hard to appreciate much if you are busy whizzing past it all. Take time, slow down, and appreciate the smaller aspects in your life