Appreciate your life

One of the hardest-learned lessons I gained by going through this experience is to appreciate your life(style). 

By that I mean to look around and appreciate what you have in your life now - currently - rather than living in the "what can I get next?" tunnel vision most of us actively practice. 

This next example is purely material, but you could apply it liberally to emotional, mental, or financial health equally well. 

I have a smartphone, a recent-model tablet, a nice laptop, a 5-year old desktop with dual monitors, a printer/fax/scanner, a label printer..... I'm not bragging or asking to be robbed - believe me! I just think it bears mentioning that it's easy to focus on the "next best thing," especially in our market-driven society - but sometimes, even if it's only for a little while - you've got to let your foot off the gas.

We've all heard it - "stop and smell the roses" - but it is an expression that bears repeating because it is all too true. If you don't stop to look around every once in a while, how are you ever going to appreciate what you have?   

Don't rush it. Breathe. Think about it. Let it wash over you, as you listen to your computer humming in front you.....appreciate what you have.  Using this moment to take stock of what you have in your life doesn't cost anything....use an inordinate amount of time....or keep you from going back to what you were doing before. It just gives you a moment to breathe deeply, listen, think, and return to your previous activities feeling more relaxed, appreciative, and cared for. That's right, you are caring for yourself. And how simple the trip!


You may now return your seats to the upright position. This concludes our metaphysical lesson for the day.