Life's too short...

Why does it take the loss of a loved one, or an unexpected accident to get us to open up our hearts?  This is the question that hit me squarely upside the head this week. 

When I say “open our hearts,” I mean feel more, appreciate more, and realize how much we’re blessed and truly living moment-to-moment in what I call a state of grace.    

This week a friend of mine unexpectedly lost her son.  I was deeply saddened by her loss.  No mother is ready to say goodbye to her child.  Ever.  This is pain I don’t want to know, and can never know.  My heart split open wide for my dear friend, and her family.

Then, another sweet girlfriend of mine was in a motocross accident.  Yep, it was just that … a freak accident.  No one was at fault, and it seemed it could not have been prevented.  But, in that instant her life stopped as she knew it.  Her plans for the days, weeks, and more than likely months ahead just came to a screeching halt.  My heart, again, split wide open with compassion and sadness for my friend.

And, so I noticed.  I softened.  I opened up.  I was propelled into gratefulness.  I was grateful for every moment of safety for myself, and all of those I love.  I felt more gratitude for my health, provisions, joy, and smooth-sailing days.

And, in this heart-open-wide state, I realized just how good life mostly is.

Of course we can always find things about our days we don’t like.  But, as the late Richard Carlson coined it – that’s the “Small Stuff.”  What my two friend’s experienced this week is the Big Stuff.  The Big Stuff is the stuff that affects us long after today is over, next week passes, and next month, etc. The Big Stuff gets our attention.  This week it certainly got mine.

Then, the self-inquiry began …

How often do I find myself having an internal dialogue of complaining, whining, or worrying?  Unfortunately, more than I care to admit.  It’s easy and almost culturally accepted to complain, and carry on, isn’t it?  We hear it all of the time.  And, to what end? 

Life’s too short …

So, it is with deep gratitude to the Universe, and a big slice of humble pie that I give thanks. 

My challenge for you is to have the eyes to see, and the heart to feel - all that is so very well in your world.  Is it Small Stuff that’s got your panties in a waddle, or is it the Big Stuff?

Big Stuff brings us to our knees, humbles us, makes us weep, opens our hearts, and often causes us to adopt a new attitude, take another direction, or make better choices.  Sometimes, Big Stuff just happens and we never know the reasons why.  Not knowing why is okay, as long as we can find peace in our hearts about not having to have all of the answers.  I don’t have all of the answers, but I have been awakened.

I am Humbled.  I am Grateful.  I am Still Learning. 

(In memory of Ian, and love for his mother & love and prayers for Kitty)
Photo by Gregory Colbert