Okay, so one of my favorite phrases is βlife is too short toβ¦β (fill in the blanks). I keep saying I like to try everything once because I donβt like to write anything off without personally experiencing it. Also, over the last few years, I believe Iβve grown wiser (oh cβmon, let me dream!), what with losing family members, tackling tough situations, facing disappointments and of course, learning all the time.
What Iβve 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 β 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 Iβd be scared sh*tless, but human nature is such that we adapt β and I learned to, too.
Moreover, my Mom was amazingly positive. She would say β take it easy, thereβs no need to be perfect. I wanted to get everything done just right and suffered in the process when there wasnβt 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
βSome months back, I came across calculator that tells you how many days youβve lived. As I write this post, ββI was reminded of that time and how I was stunned to see a five digit numberβ¦and counting. And I thought, Iβd 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 weβd done something we wanted to do, but didnβt 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 isnβt life one big learning experience? I have learned to spot the silver linings. Always.
I try to focus on the βnowβ 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 bunniesβ¦and no, housework is no longer my first priority
If I think of someone I havenβt 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.
Iβve resolved to celebrate the little things in life.
See? Iβve also become rather good at pep-talking myself!
17 comments
You asked if I smiled today – many times and especially now reading this! I think we’re getting wise in our old age, aren’t we?
And while you’re pepping yourself up, you’re pepping a whole lot of other people up too, me included! Thank you. β₯
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted…Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff
Hi Vidya,
Nice to be here again,
Thanks for this thought provoking piece.
I am just reminded of a famous song, it
starts like this: “One Day At A Time…”
I searched out and found that in YouTube
Here is the link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBnZ8bmEOTM
Thanks again for this share
Have a good day
Phil
Philip Verghese Ariel recently posted…My First Experience With A Google Hangout – with John Mueller – English Google Webmaster Central B&M SMB Site-Clinic office-hours hangout
Beautiful, Vidya:-) Could print it out and tape it on the wall as a kind reminder:-)Yes, every day is a gift, and – being here and now, IN the moment – is sooo important!life is here and now:-) So say it so wonderful in your post – loved it! PS: He he – playing with your dust bunnies – nice one:-) π
Eli recently posted…A walk on the wild side – free write
Great! these pep talks that you share are really food for the soul. Thanks!
Kajal recently posted…Stop Complaining. Start Watching.
so true!!
totally agree with you.. making each day count, filling it with things and people who make us smile and happy is important.
Being kind to others, making your friends smile is equally important! π
Pixie recently posted…Meenaβs guest post on namma Mysore π
What a lovely post Vidya! Totally echo what you’re saying… Taking each day as THE day! Love π
Aditi recently posted…Grateful
I think I will never open that calculator, out of all my regrets the top most is the insecurity of not making something constructive out of my life. Not leaving a mark in my own way. And no not money or success or fame but a mark where I feel proud to have done something… perhaps letting go of this thought might accelerate that, convoluted thoughts in one comment. *phew* you make me think every time!
You know right at this moment in my life I’m frustrated cos life is not going as I planned/wanted, but life is going in its own way. Even thou I believe that life is beautiful the way it is… once in a while someone who remind me the same…. so thanks for that <3 <3
*someone should remind. …..
((Sorry for the typo…)) π
sheethal recently posted…How do I tell her about you…
Love those quotes by piglet and pooh who by the way are my favourite characters too. And you’re right about living each moment. I’ve recently realised that too and have been valuing everything much more since then.
Vidya, I am reading thisvjust today and if I am nodding my head along to every line, you know the reason for that. You practically read my mind. Thanks for this post, Vidya. It gives me strength when I have none to summon up on my own. Hugs and love to you.
Shailaja V recently posted…Of Beethoven, writing and transformation- Free Write
This is such a beautiful post. I had reached office today so disturbed and now I am so happy that I read this the first thing in the morning (via Aditi). I will definitely enjoy my day, Vidya. Thanks for pepping me up!
This post makes your name ‘Vidya’ even more appropriate for you π Hey, you are cool!
Beloo Mehra recently posted…Of Happenings, Harassment and Hope
Lovely post, Vidya!! Ever since I hit 30, I’ve been having the same feeling of wondering if I’ll just ‘get through’ my life with nothing to show for it. The thought makes me panicky sometimes, but I’m learning to deal with it. That’s one of the reasons I made my word of the year ‘Mindfulness’, so that I am aware and enjoy every moment. Thank you for writing about it!
Fab recently posted…A super-short Delhi Trip!
I will book mark this post and pull it up every time I feel low. Have you read The Secret by Rhonda Bryne.. it talks about how positivism attracts positive things.. be positive and things will be positive for you…
loved it Vidya, as usual you have given me another reason to look up to things..
Seeta recently posted…Book Review: The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
“I take time to know these people.” That time is really well-spent. I’ve learnt many things while getting to know people. On the other hand, I’ve had the joy of seeing how juniors, employees, etc. have got thrilled simply because I remembered their child’s name or enquired about something they had told me before (similar to the cable guy you mentioned in another post).
Proactive Indian recently posted…Aadhar: facilitator or impediment?
Love this post!! π Made me smile…especially the quote at the end. I think I’m going to use that when I talk to myself…which is a lot! π
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