Notice the little things
Often times, humans fail to notice what we have until it is no longer accessible. This is true of our relationships with people. This is true of our every day lives. I think this is one of the most tragic aspects of human nature. We lament where we are and the we lament we are no longer there. So, let’s take a quick moment today and rewind this mistake.
Think about three things you have seen recently that you are grateful you were able to see. I was able to see my little plants growing so happily on my deck. I was able to see the scarf that I made with my own hands. I was able to see dramatic clouds and huge bolts of lightning that cut the sky. I am grateful I was able to see this things.
Think about three things you have heard recently that you are grateful you were able to hear. As I write this I am listening to birds singing outside my window. I was able to listen to some of my favorite music while I drove in to work. I was able to hear my mom’s voice on the phone. I am grateful I was able to hear these things.
Think about three places you walked to that you are grateful you were able to walk to. I was able to walk/run 13 miles over the weekend (and I saw 7 bunny rabbits). I was able to walk to my car so that I could go to my job. I was able to walk to my bed to enjoy a pleasant evening of sleep. I am grateful I was able to walk to these places.
If you are not able to see, what were you able to touch? If you are not able to hear, what were you able to smell? If you are not able to walk, what were you able to taste?
What simple sensory experiences would you lament if you were to lose them suddenly? If you suddenly lost your vision or your hearing or your ability to use your hands and feet, what would you most regret not appreciating enough?
Take a moment, right now, and embrace the things you are able to do without even thinking about it. There are people who would give anything to be able to see so that they could watch their kid play soccer. There are people who would give anything to be able to move by themselves so that they could enjoy more independence. You have, right at this moment, something that someone would give anything for.
Are you appreciating these things enough?
Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bjornlifoto/4878878197/ via Creative Commons
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Humanity is always in a state of acquisition. Sometimes, we have problems dissociating ourselves from this mindset that we always feel the need to adapt, change, add, multiply and all of that. Stopping for a moment to smell the flowers as we say, could sometimes be mistaken to be a letting down of the guard. That ever broiling desire to chase something that’s always moving is deeply rooted.
I’m grateful for everything that I have right now, but I’m also aware that if I stopped even for just one moment, there will be somebody or something that can take those away in the blink of an eye.
As it is, this great legacy that was handed to me is slowly crumbling to perdition and disrepair. Pretty soon it will really be a jungle that only the greatest of efforts could salvage.
My greatest bane, is whenever people come up to me, see everything’s state now and say – “such a waste”. I’ve heard that 4 times already IRL and it cuts deeply. It makes me have to chase things like a hungry dog….
@danny That’s the 2-edged sword of appreciation in this life, right? For everything we appreciate we know that eventually it will disappear. But we still have a choice. We can start out angry or sad or worried that we will lose it – the people, whatever it may be – or we can really try to make sure we enjoy the heck out of it while we have it. I try really hard to do the latter though I don’t always succeed. Sorry you’re having such a hard time 🙁
@margieclayman Ah, hard time actually gets easy once you get used to it. 🙂 Ya, I’m used to it.
I is. Even though I have to remind myself to slow down at times and take it all in, I am very appreciative and thankful for what I do have and the family and friends I know.
I’m in a good place right now and last time I looked, it was still good to be me.
Nice look; let’s see where this thing goes…..
@bdorman264 Glad to hear it, Bill. I’m glad you’re you! 🙂
This phenomenon and the grass is always greener one drive me crazy. Why can’t we be happy with what we have? I know people who put themselves so far into debt, just so they can have an iPad or the newest iPhone. It makes me a little nuts. Every day I ask myself, “Why is this important?” Yes, every day because I want to be sure I’m doing things with my life and my business that are important, not just doing them for the sake of doing them.
To that end, I’m grateful I have friends like you who are such good writers, you make me better. I’m grateful I can ride my bike and do that one thing for myself every day. I’m grateful I can provide for my family, even in lean years. And I’m grateful I live in a city that, even though it’s 1,000 degrees right now, teaches me about different walks of life, just from my front porch.
@ginidietrich Thanks for adding those things, Gini. “Enough is never enough” until you realize that it was everything, right? 🙂
This hits home today as we put our beautiful kitty side-kick to sleep yesterday. I am happy that we never took him for granted. He was always a perky friend to pass the time with.
It is very hard for us to see what is right in front of us. We are always striving for ‘more’ and our capitalistic society banks on that psychology (literally). I’m appreciative I have (and can afford) a home. It isn’t a big home, doesn’t have granite counter tops or a hot tub. Who cares? It’s warm and cozy, just big enough for our family of 3. I’m grateful we can afford healthy food and a vacation once a year. I thank God every day my son is healthy and bright. What else do we need?
@susangiurleo Oh, I’m so sorry, Susan. I know how hard that journey is. I still very much miss our family kitty – he was with us for close to 20 years and basically grew up with my brother and me. Big hugs to you.
{{{HUG}}}}
@samfiorella thanks! 🙂
All good reminders, Margie. Thank you.
@JohnFeskorn Glad you enjoyed it, John!
For me it is being present now…..breathe and breathe again and be in the moment as musch as possible in this crazy world! Good stuff Margie……thx
@kevjkirkpatrick Great answer!
Your words were well expressed today and much appreciated. Gratitude is a daily practice..and as you stated appreciation for all things, sights, sounds, smells, what cannot be seen or heard but Imagined.. Just IMAGINE…
~Audrey@
@AudreyPrater Exactly – I was just dealing with the senses. That soul and brain stuff is a whole other story! 🙂
@margieclayman Yes another long story for another early morning conversation…~A@