A day, each day: I’ll gladly take it. Breathing deeply. A moment of morning wishes, prayers or remembering before I rise.
Then I once again routinely prepare to take one step at a time, moving forward hopefully to at least achieve something meaningful or memorable.
I wonder as I slip my shoes on to head out again if others feel the same each day?
Apprehension, anxiety, motivation or inspiration? Do you feel valuable and appreciated when you are in transit to school, work, or to volunteer your time? How do you feel heading into your “one time only day”?
A little praise, a pat on the back with a few kind words, some encouragement or even a listening ear really does go a long way towards lifting another human being’s spirits.
I’ve come to realize — as I age in such a seemingly more rapid way — how much the little things mean to me now. I vow to notice more, express myself honestly but with more patience and diplomacy. Walk in someone else’s shoes, remembering to smile, wave and acknowledge with manners and thoughtful consideration.
When my four kids were little we had a piece of driftwood that we placed on the windowsill or moved around occasionally to remind us of our own three “Cs”: Consideration, Communication, Cooperation. We spoke them to each other daily. I’m not sure where the driftwood is now.
If I am unhappy or dissatisfied with life in the moment I remind myself that it’s up to me to change that mindset. I’m accountable.
We are linked, heart thread to heart thread in this life school journey, sensing each other’s emotions good or bad. It’s pretty mind-blowing to think how much someone can influence our thoughts, moods or intentions. Yet in the end, when all is said and done, we came in alone, we transition onward (at least I like to think so) alone. What will be our legacy or imprint?
I’ve read many self-help, motivational and self improvement books along the way. Og Mandino’s The Greatest Salesman in the World, The Way of the Peaceful Warrior and Sacred Journey of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman, books by Don Miguel Ruiz, Stephen Covey, Eckhart Tolle, The Secret by Rhonda Bryne, The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield, to name a few. I used to love Erma Bombeck, who had a way of describing motherhood with such humour. There’s nothing like being able to laugh at yourself or relate to another person through humour, even during the toughest times.
As I walk, drive, sit and work my way through this, another day on the planet, I think that I’ll challenge myself to find something like a new perspective or fresh view as I move through the day. I’ll go on a little treasure hunt within today, take a computer and phone break to clear my mind as I start a new gratitude list this week. It’s never too late. As Norman Vincent Peale said, “Live your life and forget your age.”
