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Mary's Moments Blog Post

Joy in the Here and Now

There are so many changes one week to the next. Our thoughts, emotions and experiences. How to put it all in perspective?


In the hustle and bustle, it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of what's to come or what has passed. We find ourselves lost in worries about the future or dwelling on the past, forgetting to appreciate the beauty of the present moment. But what if we could learn to love today, with all its ups and downs and everything in between? What if we could just be grateful for the opportunity to wake up and breath once more?


Life is a series of moments. Each moment is precious and unique. Yet, it's all too easy to take these moments for granted, to overlook what surrounds us in our everyday lives. We rush through our days, ticking off items on our to-do lists, but rarely stopping to appreciate the simple pleasures that make life worth living.


Learning to love today means learning to appreciate the little things – the warmth of the sun on your face, the sound of birds singing in the morning, laughter with family and friends. It means taking the time to pause and notice the beauty that exists all around us, even in the most mundane moments. It's about finding joy in the ordinary and acknowledging that each moment is a gift to be cherished.


Our life is a storybook filled with countless chapters, each holding its own adventures and lessons. The moments, like pages in a book, are the narrative of our lives. Sometimes we get so caught up in flipping through the pages that we forget to pay attention to the story unfolding.


We're often so preoccupied with the next plot twist or destination, that we ignore moments that seem insignificant but that actually add depth and meaning. It's important to slow down, to take a moment to breathe and pay attention to the present.  This is where we will find true fulfillment and joy.


Of course, life is not always sunshine and roses. We all have challenges and setbacks along the way. But learning to love today means learning to roll with the punches – to accept the ups and downs, the imperfections and uncertainties, knowing that they are what make life interesting and unpredictable.


Today, amidst all the chaos and challenges, I choose love. Love for this moment, love for the people I care for, and love for myself despite health issues and struggles. It's not easy; there are moments when exhaustion overwhelms and doubts creep in. But then I remind myself of the beauty in today. The smiles shared, the hugs exchanged, and the little victories celebrated.


Today, I am grateful for the opportunity to care for others, even when it feels like a mountain to climb. Today, I am grateful for my health, imperfect though it may be, for it reminds me of my strength and resilience. So here I am, embracing today with an open heart, finding joy in the midst of challenges, and choosing to be grateful. Because in the end, love and gratitude make today truly precious. When we start to focus on the present moment, we let go of the past and release our worries about the future, choosing instead to focus on what is happening right now. That doesn't mean that we ignore our responsibilities or stop planning for the future but instead try to develop a sense of calm for whatever comes our way. Having said that, we do need to set healthy boundaries. This aligns with manageability. Taking care of our responsibilities and releasing all else. Each and every one of us need a segment of time to reflect and just be.


As I write this blog today, I’m sitting outside enjoying my backyard, the sunshine, the birds, the squirrels and my coffee.  Life is good.  Do I have a never ending list of things to do – yes.  Will I have some challenges today – probably.  But right here, right now.  None of it matters.  I’m taking in big breaths of fresh air and enjoying this moment, this window of time.  It does feel good.


Gratitude really is the key. We are told that so many times over. Why is it so hard to implement day to day? When we are grateful, we can appreciate abundance, even in the midst of hardship. Learning to love today means learning to be grateful for the simple things – a hot cup of coffee, a warm hug, the beautiful sunshine. It's about finding joy in the moment and knowing that happiness is not something we need to chase – it’s already inside us. We just need reminding of that.


We tend to constantly push to do more, be more, achieve more and, in turn, more is expected of us. It can be difficult to slow down and appreciate the here and now. But the truth is, life is happening right now, in this moment, and it's up to us to make the most of it.


I came across this poem that really resonated with me. 

 

CHASING TOMORROWS

 

Today I woke and found myself with less than yesterday

My life was missing things I had assumed were here to stay.

 

Things that had seemed little ‘til they left a giant space

Left an empty silence, and a longing in their place.

 

And I began to understand, that when push came to shove

I longed for what I’d had when I’d thought that was not enough.

 

I’d always looked ahead, was always chasing more and more

Growing so complacent, of the things I once wished for.

 

Running to tomorrow, to the weekend, to next year

Forgetting I was lucky for the things already here.

 

And all this made me realize, that my life can’t buy more time

So maybe I should spend my time loving this life of mine.

 

And maybe I’ll be grateful, for the little things I’ve got

That seem inconsequential but which mean an awful lot.

 

So, tonight I’ll thank the stars, instead of asking them for more

And I will hope to wake with all the things I’ve thanked them for before.

 

Cause now I see that my todays are filled with time I’ve borrowed

And I shouldn’t sit around and waste them, chasing my tomorrows.

Author: unknown


We all need to love today – with open arms – cherishing every moment whether it brings joy or challenges. Appreciate all the ups and downs and everything in between. Roll with the punches, have a positive attitude and be grateful for the opportunity to wake up once more.


Keep loving, keep smiling, and keep appreciating the beauty in every day.


Today's gift - the present.

 

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