I am a lucky woman. I should have died.

I am a lucky woman. I am going to die.

How many people die tragically and suddenly, never knowing that this seemingly mundane day will be their last? Unable to glean true pleasure from that last cup of coffee or hearing their favorite song on the radio during the ride to work?  I am fortunate enough to be young(ish) and to know that I likely will not get old – so it’s time to start LIVING every day to its utmost.

Utmost may vary from day to day.  Sometimes the utmost is a day of peaceful tranquility, stillness and reflection.  Sometimes it may be seeing one of the world’s most breathtaking sights.  But one thing is certain- my life in FAST FORWARD has officially stopped.  My life is now in slow motion.  Every breath.  Every ray of sunshine.  Every raindrop with the sun gleaming through that makes you squint.  Every crackling outdoor fire.  Every bird swooping by.  Every crashing wave.  THAT is the world now.  May that be your world always. 

I am monumentally guilty of taking things for granted.  It’s human nature I suppose.  My health.  My youth.  ALWAYS my knees.  But no more.  And you know what?
It’s immensely freeing.

It isn’t lost on me that not only must I slow down, but it is also a challenge to speak.  So now I am forced to listen to everything around me, and my life is so much the richer because of it!  From the sounds of nature, to the voices and stories of my beloved friends – I finder greater joy in not being able to speak as much.

I wish the same for you.  A presence of mind and an enrichment of spirit that forces you to simply BE.  And in being, may you also find a deeper joy and contentment than you ever could have imagined.