It is so easy in life to get distracted—work, media, electronics, hobbies, etc. It is easy to miss the opportunities to enjoy the more important things—the “well-centered” things in life.
Last week a friend received a new heart. Some might say that he has a “second chance” at life. I see it as an opportunity to extend a life well-lived. He commented recently that I am a “great example” for my son (and I hope I am—at least I try), but I watched this friend lose a son to brain cancer (DIPG)—he has also lost a daughter—and struggle with a deteriorating heart condition. Through it all, I saw someone focused on what is most important: relationships and family. That is a “great example”.
It is easy to focus on what we don’t have, what we haven’t accomplished, what we have to do, etc. So much so that we miss out on having an (extra)ordinary life.
I catch myself from time-to-time losing sight of what is in front of me. When I first moved to our home in Oregon from the Midwest, I would regularly appreciate the “mountain out” days (when you can see the distant mountains—Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, etc.) and the frequent full (I mean seeing the pot of gold at both ends where they touch the ground) and often double rainbows. Over time, frustration with work and the path I am on distracted me from these. I would let my long commute become a time to rehearse misery rather than optimism. Occasionally, I might let the mountains release me. Once, I even allowed the opportunity for the scent of pine needles crushed by the passing cars and mixed with the fall rain entertain my olfactory receptors and the pleasure centers of my brain. Over all, though, I tended to limit my joy.
I had joy—I focused on family, my kids sports, etc.—but it was limited. My joy was limited by my own restriction. This is not a “great example” for my kids.
We must let go of the useless distractions and the let our hearts be renewed each day to the pleasures of life. The cartoon is right. Let’s not miss the “pretty great life” we have.
Carpe momento!