It's a new year: a chance to start fresh and begin anew.
With the onslaught of this New Year a family member went into the hospital. Thankfully, they are being treated and are currently doing ok, however, it did alarm me and made me realize even more so what an amazing gift life is and that our moments here on earth are miraculous and special. To roughly quote a recent film: "Happiness is best experienced when it is shared."
The presence of sickness and even the potential thought of death looming in the forefront of my mind is a rude awakening in one's life. It certainly put things into perspective for me. Some things that I thought were important, have become somewhat insignificant and even petty. To get caught up in worrying, egos, and the silly games that we humans sometimes play --in the end, we're only fooling ourselves --- and in the grand scheme of life, these things are minuscule and even insipid. Life is too short, spectacular, and incredible to think in such small-minded ways.
I walk out into the quiet desert night and I'm continually amazed and awed by the beauty of nature. With the full moon showing brightly in the sky: it's aluminous light revealing the snow capped mountains and the bright green grass underneath my feet. Crickets chirp and sing-- greeting me in the calm night. I look up into the vast, dark, blue sky as the stars dance and twinkle above. "It feels good to be alive." --I thought as I stared out into the wonderment of the serene night.
I wish I could express the profound effect this event has had on my life, but as I write, words seem inept to express my sincere feelings and maybe at this moment, something is telling me that some things are better left unsaid. The one thing I can say is this: I have a new found zeal, passion, and respect for life and want to make the most of each day that I'm here. I know that may sound a bit like a cliché, but it's true. I cherish these moments and understand now, more so than ever, that time is a commodity that no one can "get back". The precious moments I share with my family, friends, and the people that are dear to me, those moments are just that ---precious.
