Every Day: It’s Just About… Life.

Every day I say I’ll try, to make my heart be still.

Yes, I try. The first line of this blog is a lyric from a Phil Collins song from a few years back. It’s been stuck in my head for days, and it turns out it’s the first thing I do every morning. While I stand there before dawn, waiting for one of life’s true pleasures, my big cup of java to finish brewing, I think of something which takes me deep inside, and makes my heart be still…gratitude.

I stand there with the alluring aroma of coffee in the air and think about two things. The first is to think of someone, some family I know, or just met, and offer them a wish of health, wealth and happiness. Most people we meet along the way in this life are so deserving, so why not offer an affirmation for what they deserve. It surely can’t hurt.

Then I think of yesterday. I believe in yesterday. You know why? Because I know it was good. It was good, because I stand there and think of the three things that happened the day before for which I have gratitude. Three things I can reflect on and know it was a good moment. Besides the coffee, that’s the true jumpstart to my day. It’s not hard to do. Even on the worst day, you can think of three things that happened that were worthwhile, that might have made you smile, made you think, or simply made you feel. Three is a magic number. Done that blog already. 🙂

Having gratitude means you have a heart and for those few minutes mine has slowed, or learned to be still, to appreciate what filled my heart that day. The exercise does this for me, I am now focused on the good things that happened the day before, making me appreciate the biggest of events, or the smallest of moments which were worthwhile, which made a difference in my day, in my life, or hopefully in someone else’s. To become more, I must help others do the same. Your mind will follow where you put your attention, your focus.

If you focus on a few good things, now the not-so-happy things are forgotten, or at least pushed aside to make way for the attitude that changes everything, gratitude. Every Day. It can change your life, why not give it a few minutes and give it a try. If you can’t think of anything, then how about this…look at the passage down below, use it if you so choose, as a way to start your day.

Live each day to the fullest.
Get the most from each hour, each day and each age of your life.
Then you can look forward with confidence and back without regrets.
Be yourself, but be your best self.

Dare to be different and to follow your own star.
And don’t be afraid to be happy.

Enjoy what is beautiful.
Love with all your heart and soul.
Believe that those you love, love you.
Forget what you have done for your friends.
And remember what they have done for you.
And concentrate on what you owe the world.

That is a blessing I heard just one month ago, at my own daughter’s Bat Mitzvah.

So already there’s something I can think of to start my day for which I am grateful. My family. Every Day.

Until next time, thanks for taking the time.

Mark