We do take so many things for granted, we are not aware that they can be taken away from us in the blink of an eye! I think this is the perfect way to finish my series of positive blog writings, just for a while though! The last three ones (Carpe Diem; Be positive, a way of life and Gratitude diary) all lead to what probably most of us have been obliged to deal with over the last few weeks due to the lockdowns: we easily forget to value of those little things. What a lesson for us all!
Rushing through life has become so well stablished, so deeply unquestionable, so easily accepted as perfect. But the goal at the end of our plans is just a finish line, the journey is what matters the most. Pausing along the way, admiring the twists and twirls of life, breathing in each and every second. By racing through the road out of control we may reach the end faster but we will definitely miss out those little things which makes our existence more valuable and enjoyable. Go! Go! Go! Run! Run! Run! I am late, I don’t have time, I am in a hurry, I can‘t stop now, I need to finish this… Just a few samples of what we are constantly telling ourselves.
Not easy to admit that we only needed to stop and sit down. Really, in the twenty first century? No way! We have to be on the go all the time! We do not have time to waste! We need to get there as soon as possible! What about the “just get today out of the way”? How many times have we heard this? Wouldn’t it be better to just say, let’s enjoy today while we can! But then tomorrow! Immensely sad, since we have been lacking in appreciation for the moment. Too many things have been taken for granted!
All that we needed was a global pandemic to be able to press the stop button! There has been no other choice for us rather than stopping and feeling trapped in a loop of groundhog days! Not in a million years I would have thought that I would find myself in a lockdown surrounded by fears, uncertainty and isolation. There has been a period of readjustment but the outcome has been greatly interesting!
It is not that I did not seize the moment before but the current situation has made me realise that more focus on “the here and now” is definitely needed! Carpe Diem into its full approach! If you are going to try, go all the way, which can easily be applied to the now! Being mindful of what I have so I do not spend time complaining about what I do not have. Being appreciative of those simple instants so I do not fail to absorb the very second. Being aware of how things can be stolen from us out of the blue so I yearn for eating up every single second life gifts me with.
I have been reading posts in social media (as plenty of time was there for me) and I have noticed an increase in comments around taking stuff for granted. The most soul touching words were from a work colleague: “I am never taking for granted going outside again!!!” So true! Such a powerful message! It clearly holds the aim of my blog. Leaving the house for no reason, getting on a plane to visit family, hugging a good friend, going for a drive while listening to the radio, walking along the seaside, buying a latte when out for a walk, looking into your partner’s eyes, getting a takeaway on a Friday evening, taking pictures of random things, admiring both a sunrise and a sunset, feeling the sea breeze on your face, holding hands, a kiss. I could go on for hours, loads of those little things! All of them are just a humble reminder of we do take for granted far too often!
Live for the moment.
Squeeze life to the full.
Cherish what you have.
Embrace the here and now.
Appreciate those little things.
Never again, take things for granted!
Jay Cee Moon ©
Jaycee Moon 