Taking Life for Granted ?

Working in the medical profession for greater than thirty years I have come across many unfortunate and sad experiences. I have also encountered many amazing and courageous individuals. Cancer diagnoses are one of the most devastating. Individuals have beaten it, and pulled through. Even those that do not, still have been able to disclose some amazing outlooks on life. It is very common for individuals to become excessively appreciative of what life gives them. I am talking about the very simple everyday encounters that we frequently take for granted. It may be a child’s laugh, a drop of rain racing down the window pane, or an Indigo Bunting perched a top a Maple. All the senses can become more aware if we practice using them. Go away for a week camping in the deep woods eating rice,jerky, and freeze dried soup and then come home and experience the taste of a caramel chocolate bar.Wow ! Now that is what I am talking about . Appreciation of the simple gifts of life.

So is the after effects of any life trauma. It does not have to be cancer. It can be a survivor of abuse, the lingering effects of an abusive relationship or being aware that you have been a doormat in a marriage for years. The new experience of allowing others to care for you, love you, will give you a new wonderful outlook on life. Marriages frequently fall into routine. The ruts of the daily circle can swallow us whole. It takes work and effort to recognize these ruts. The pay off is insurmountable. Never, never take for granted the holding of your lovers hand, the laugh of your children, the cuddling at night with the warmth of two bodies being held, or the slow caress of a forehead as you memorize the slight twitching of facial muscles. We humans are like that. We fall into routines, take for granted what special gifts have been given to us and fail to appreciate and give thanks.  PAY ATTENTION ! Listen, and look for the positive in your life. Not just in your relationship, but especially in  nature. The way the wind caresses the tops of trees, the dance a red-tailed hawk does amongst the clouds, and the warmth of the sun warming our very being.

I will never take for granted again what has been put before me. If I leave this earth unexpectedly tomorrow, I have NO regrets. I have been given a gift that has warmed my soul and heart. I know now how to receive love and I pay attention to the very small details.  If all of us could become more appreciative, more respectful of our loving relationships with our families and loved ones we would be more adept at giving back to others.

After I resolved my own abuse issues, I realized this was only one step into becoming more aware of what my role on earth was. To give back to others, and teach my children all I know in terms of my shortcomings, mistakes and accomplishments.

I have maybe twenty-five years left if I am lucky. The clock is ticking. Days are passing, and seasons seem to fly by more than ever as we age. Do not take for granted the daily blessings. Yes, easier said than done. If we fall prey to striving for the almighty dollar, the false importance of tangible objects we will never see the positives. We will never begin to see the truly important gifts of life. I would do anything to have my Grandmother back to tell her what I have learned. That cannot happen. I can however begin to tell my parents, my children and my best friend how much they mean to me. I will NOT take them for granted. I have a pact with my girlfriend that if either of us fall into the routine of life we will alert each other, and refocus on why we were supposed to find each other. Look again. Look at familiar trees, familiar scenes, your children, and your lover. Look at them with new eyes, look at them as if your days are numbered,because they are. Time keeps marching on, it is up to us to make the most of each second.

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