Grateful in the Moment

I think back to my school daze sometimes. Not so much about the person I was then as much the person I thought I would be now. Its interesting to measure the steps of time against your vision, and see if the two overlap. How far have you moved from that naive, hopeful, invincible, and stupid You that you left in your childhood? For me, I have the mixed sense of loss & gain, the coulda, shoulda, woulda of mild regret, and in the end settle on happiness. Nothing is missing from my today. It is the result of days lived in the rhythm.

It comes down to this: appreciate life. There are a million things that can tear you down by the instant. Every day brings another opportunity to worry about something, and many times, we just can't see the forest for the trees. Traffic, gas prices, the mess your kid just made, bills, more bills, and insufficient sleep - and that's just your morning. It does get to you; and before long the wave of concerns builds momentum toward the shore and becomes a tsunami.

I try to bring a halt to the surge early. Nip it in the bud when it's still just a ripple. I don't take any enjoyment in the daily travails, but I do take pleasure in their meaning. I don't like traffic or gas, but I am grateful to have a job, and a car. I don't like bills, but it means I have a safe home, clean clothes, and warm food. I don't like cleaning my son's mess, but I love the warm glow of his smile. Perspective. It's all about perspective.

Granted, these moments are fleeting. Somebody inevitably cuts you off, and your back to the rushing tide. That's why it's so important to cherish these moments, and bring yourself back to them as much as possible. Otherwise your moments are filled with frustration and regret, and that's not very fun at all.