Make Every Moment Count

Okay, so one of my favorite phrases is “life is too short to…” (fill in the blanks). I keep saying I like to try everything once because I don’t like to write anything off without personally experiencing it. Also, over the last few years, I believe I’ve grown wiser (oh c’mon, let me dream!), what with losing family members, tackling tough situations, facing disappointments and of course, learning all the time.

What I’ve realized is, instead of sweating the small stuff, and going overboard by stressing over things, it is best to take each day as it comes. This was brought home to me with the greatest force when I looked after my Mother – each day was unpredictable and we never knew when we would have to rush to the hospital. We went through five years of this uncertainty. Initially I’d be scared sh*tless, but human nature is such that we adapt – and I learned to, too.

Moreover, my Mom was amazingly positive. She would say – take it easy, there’s no need to be perfect. I wanted to get everything done just right and suffered in the process when there wasn’t enough time. I have learned to let go of that pesky attitude.

So anyway, the whole point is, what I have learned is this: Life is a gift. Each day we receive is a present, and we should be fully present to truly enjoy every moment.

Make every moment count

​Some months back, I came across calculator that tells you how many days you’ve lived. As I write this post, ​​I was reminded of that time and how I was stunned to see a five digit number…and counting. And I thought, I’d hate to see that number add up without having anything to show for it.

Regrets? Yes, we all have them and that is natural. But there comes a time when we must pull up our socks and step out of our comfort zone. Ten years later, no point wishing we’d done something we wanted to do, but didn’t because we were too scared to take the risk.

I have learned to slow down, look around and watch everyone rushing around. I am in a happy place, doing what I want.

I consciously enjoy my time with my family, savoring each moment, because no matter what I do, I cannot get that particular moment back.

I connect with my friends often and relish the banter we share.

Oh sure, there will be crap from time to time. Challenges will pop up, but isn’t life one big learning experience? I have learned to spot the silver linings. Always.

I try to focus on the “now” every day. Besides appreciating the joy of living,

I try to do my best at work

I strive to make people smile

I have a kind word for everyone I come in contact with

I take time to know these people

When I need to, I take the time off to smell the flowers and play with my dust bunnies…and no, housework is no longer my first priority

If I think of someone I haven’t chatted with for a while, I pick up the phone and talk to them. Or simply head over to their place

When I look in the mirror, I think, hey, I am cool.

I read every day

And of course, I laugh a lot, because it is very hard to be serious when you see the humor in every situation.

And yes, I watch TV

That list is endless.

What I am saying is, when we put things in perspective, everything is just fine, the way it should be.

And? Today IS the day. My favorite day!

Every morning, when I wake up, I resolve to make it my best day and to enjoy being myself.

I’ve resolved to celebrate the little things in life.

See? I’ve also become rather good at pep-talking myself!