The Things We Take For Granted....

....are too numerous to mention, aren't they.  Our health, friends, family, lovers, spouses, jobs, pets, food, clean air, clean water, a roof over our heads, waking up in the morning.....  It's not until something goes awry that you think, "Oh! I never had to think about that before!" Is it impossible to be aware of every single thing that we love and hold dear in our lives every moment of the day?  It's an overwhelming thought, isn't it, to steep ourselves in ALL the things that matter 24 hours a day and live in that instead of living in the moment and appreciating what's happening right this second. I've been thinking about this a lot these past few weeks because I wasn't feeling well and all of my usual activities seemed like such a monumental chore to do.  I am (thank goodness and good genes) a very healthy person, live a very healthy lifestyle, enjoy many different activities, have amazing friends and family, and am active in mind, body, and spirit, and when I shut down for a while, it plunged me to a place I don't usually go, which is thinking about all the things I clearly take for granted every second of every day.  So I've been much more mindful of the little things....even this gloomy weather that has taken hold of the city is better than, well, no weather! And I know that as I feel better and better each day, my humanness that makes me take things for granted will slowly return, and it won't be until the next whatever that knocks me off kilter that will make me stop and smell every rose in my path and be thankful for every thing I cherish that in my everyday life I just assume will be there.

So today, just take a moment and breathe and say a big THANK YOU to all of the bounty in your life.  For a moment, focus on all the good, all the things for which you are grateful and hold dear in your heart and soul.  I wish you the best day ever.