"I like to walk alone on country paths,
rice plants and wild grasses on both sides,
putting each foot down on the earth
in mindfulness, knowing
that I walk on the wondrous earth.
In such moments, existence is a miraculous
and mysterious reality.
People usually consider walking on water
or in thin air a miracle.
But I think the real miracle
is not to walk either on water or in thin air,
but to walk on earth.
Every day we are engaged in a miracle
which we don't even recognize:
a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves,
the black, curious eyes of a child--
our own two eyes.
All is a miracle."
Thich Nhat Hanh, "Miracle of Mindfulness"
I seem to start all blog posts with, "Wow, it's been awhile." Today is much the same. Over the last few months I have thought often of logging in and updating the blog with my life... and then as soon as the thought comes, it goes. Life has been moving quickly for me in the last year. I planned a wedding, got married, went on a honeymoon, and returned to work. It seems my job is pulling me in several directions each day. And I like that. Although, it seems as of late there are more long days at work than short ones and for some reason time seems to go at a faster pace. Don't get me wrong, I love my work. I've realized in the last couple of years that I have a strong desire to succeed, to grow, to make something of myself. I've never felt more driven in my life -- working towards a goal, surpassing a goal, and setting a new one. That being said, this morning I had an experience that made me stop and realize how blessed I truly am. And while the drive to succeed and live in the fast lane will probably always be a little bit of who I am, I know that when I get going too fast God will always bring me back to what is most important. And so I feel compled to write, to share, to hopefully encourage others to realize what your true blessings are.
So many times I say, "Wow, I wish we had a bigger house" or "We can't fit in this house!" or "I'm going to go crazy if we don't move to a bigger house!" The fact of the matter is we have a house. This morning I walked outside to see two women rifling through our recycling bin and taking out cans. One of the women looked at me and said, "I'm so sorry." and it just broke my heart. A couple of years ago Matt and I went two months without any paychecks... we both were transitioning from our jobs (which happened to be at the same company) and it was a tough time. We jokingly refer to it now as "The summer of no paychecks" and remember about having to ask family for help, putting rent on our credit cards, and eating a lot of peanut butter and jelly and ramen noodles. And then I think of us, two years later, having conversations about our life now. Both very lucky to be employed with great jobs, returning from an amazing vacation, being able to pay rent with ease and afford dinners out and time with friends. And yet sometimes, selfishly, I still find myself saying, "When we make THIS much money we'll be able to do this"... and this morning seeing those women slammed me back to reality. Even in the "summer of no paychecks" we had each other, we had our home, we were able to go to the grocery store and put food on the table, we had family, we had friends. Today was a true testament to me about giving back. There are so many people who do not have what we have. I'm sure the same can be said for many of you. Take a moment to appreciate all that you have, and if able, make a point to give back. There is so many little things that really would make a huge differnce in someones life.
Slow down, reflect, be thankful.
Until next time,
AL
