not so gentle reminders

Today I am grateful for so many things. I know that part of living a fulfilled and balanced life is taking time to reflect on what we are thankful for. I try to do that, but there are times when certain experiences wave a big flag in my face to be grateful for what I have.

This weekend was filled with joy and sadness. Once again I found myself on the receiving end of a phone call that my dad was in the hospital with heart issues. This is not the first time I have received this call. In fact, I have lost count of the number of calls like this I have received. In those moments, I am filled with fear and sadness. Once I acknowledge those emotions, I move on to reflection of my relationship with my dad and find myself so thankful for the time that I have had to spend with him. When I am finally able to talk with him, I am filled with relief, love and gratefulness that my dad is going to be here one more day with me.

This emotion and situation was entwined with the happiness and celebration of my son's birthday. His birthdays always make me reflect on the trials I had in bringing him into this world safely. Seeing the amazing little boy that he is turning into, allowing myself to experience life through his eyes and emotions, and seeing the joy of him playing with his friends and celebrating his day, brings so much joy and happiness to me that my eyes fill with tears of joy and my heart swells with love.

Both of these experiences bring so much vivid emotion to me. At times I feel like I am riding a roller coaster. At times I wish I could get off, but when I ride through the good and bad times I find myself able to reflect and make my list of what I am grateful for. I also find that I have learned so much. I take the positive pieces to incorporate into my life, and I learn from the negative pieces. I am reminded how important my family and friends are to me. I am reminded that I need to eat healthy foods, be active and cherish every moment I have as life can be short and it is so precious. It reminds me of the journey I am on to experience life and find balance.  I have learned the importance of being mindful.

I ask you to take a moment and reflect on your life and what is happening now. Whether it is good or bad, there is a lesson to be discovered. It is your choice of what you do with that learning, but I encourage you to let yourself go with the flow and find your way to living a fulfilled and mindful life.