The Inevitability of Change
There will come a day when you’ll wish you were back in the present moment, appreciating the life you have right now. As circumstances change and time moves forward, it’s essential to recognize and embrace the simple joys in life.
“The only constant in life is change.”
Heraclitus
Cherishing Time
My health fluctuates, and it’s possible that next week I might feel better or worse than I do today. However, one thing is certain: my health will never be as good as it is right now, and I’ll never be 50 years old again. Time marches on, and we must learn to cherish the present while we can.
A Poignant Reminder
A story shared by Audra, someone I’ve gotten to know through a podcast, reminds us of the importance of appreciating the present moment. With her permission, I’d like to recount her tale.
“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.”
Bil Keane
The Power of the Present
One day, Audra was driving past a park with her child when her daughter asked if they could stop and play. Audra replied that they didn’t have time. This simple story holds a powerful message: the moments we let slip away can never be recovered.
Cultivating Resilience and Empathy
The greatest quotes resonate with us because they remind us of the significance of our experiences and the importance of living fully in the present. Embracing the awareness of our existence and appreciating each moment’s preciousness can lead to a happiness that is both deep and transformative.
“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
Abraham Lincoln
Finding Joy in Shared Experiences
This understanding doesn’t mean we’ll be exempt from suffering or challenges in life. However, it does mean that we can cultivate resilience and empathy. We may feel pain more intensely, not just for ourselves but also for our loved ones and even strangers. This deeper connection to the collective suffering of humanity can be both painful and freeing, as it allows us to find joy in our shared experiences.
Seizing Opportunities
In conclusion, it’s essential to seize the opportunities to enjoy the simple things in life – not material items like a childhood teddy bear or a favorite sweater, but the fleeting moments of joy and connection we often overlook.
“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”
Robert Brault
A Commitment to Cherish the Present
Next time I go for a drive to a meeting in my wheelchair, I plan to leave a few minutes early and pause by the gate that overlooks a field. I’ll take a few moments to watch the rabbits play because Audra’s story serves as a reminder that we must seize the opportunities right in front of us while we still can.
