Just one of those days, I suppose...last few days, actually have made me so thankful for the time I have here on earth to share with others; finding such pleasure and contentment in the simplest of things. My heart is warmed and swelled to such a state that I can hardly begin to describe. I'm hoping that all of you can find such satisfaction in the simple things life has to offer. Slow down; stop being defined by what you have to do. Stop letting that "Honey Do" list rule your life and take a few moments out to enjoy what is. Here are some guidelines:
1. Breathe. Just close your eyes, take a deep breath, and let it out slowly. Did you feel that? That's stress leaving your body and energy, health, and contentment settling in. It's amazing. Somehow, by the grace of God, I have found this profound contentment in my life by doing just that...taking it all in and being thankful, SO thankful, for what I have TODAY. Today is where I am...not dwelling on yesterday or fretting about tomorrow. Today is the most wonderful day I have lived because I made the choice to live it this way.
2. Celebrate the simple things. Life just blows by, doesn't it? Seems like yesterday that I was a teenager listening to this with my cousin Paulie, singing at the top of our lungs, laughing and never questioning what life had to throw us or even thinking about tomorrow. And the next thing I knew, I lost him and my gram because of some strange and often difficult design of life. Life changes in the blink of an eye. That's a very difficult pill I have had to swallow, often choking it down, this past year with my dad being so sick. But it's not our place to question; it is what it is. So, remember to take time to celebrate the simple things, no matter how small they may seem in the moment. Be thankful for what is before you today.
3. Recognize that there is a world beyond the one you are living at this moment. Often times, we are so engulfed in our own lives that we don't realize what is happening to those around us. The fact is that people are struggling all over this world right now. How might a good thought or a prayer affect them today if you took the time to give it? I don't know the answer, but it sure couldn't hurt and would take but a minute of your time and effort. You don't need to give money to affect change; not everyone has it in this economy either. But a simple thing like devoting a minute to good thoughts or spreading the word about someone else's struggle could inspire great things. Take a look at one awe-inspiring example here from one of the most incredible kids I have had the pleasure to meet.
Once again, I apologize for the current state of my blog. Re-building takes time, and as noted in this post, I have been taking time to appreciate the more simple things life has to offer rather than spending time in re-construction. As always, feedback is most welcome. Wishing the best to all you and yours.
Kate, you are so right! Our district is going through some tough times--budget deficit, declining enrollment, RIF, "right-sizing" (closing buildings)--which puts a lot of stress on people. And I think much of the stress comes from the unknown. I really do try to stay positive and focus on what I *can* do; it does no good to dwell on that which I cannot change. I go to work each day knowing I will make a difference for someone, somehow--even if it's just to give someone a reason to smile. I'm so happy for you, that you are in a good place "right here, right now!"
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