"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breath, to think, to enjoy, to love." by Marcus Aurelius. Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus was a Roman emperor from 161-180, and is considered one of the most stoic philosophers. The Stoics taught that destructive emotions resulted from errors in judgement, and that a sage, or person of moral and intellectual perfection, would not suffer such emotions. Isn't Google invaluable, for all of us who have a curious mind. I won't go into why I could never be mistaken for a Stoic! Lol!
This topic of being grateful for everything important in our lives, is very near to my heart. I was born with a huge grateful heart. I remember the day, that very day, I learned that God wants to answer even the tiniest, seemingly unimportant, requests. It was about 25 years ago and I was in our home in San Carlos. My husband and I were going to the Santa Cruz/Mount Hermon communities to look for an antique desk for our new house. We were newly married and I had a perfect spot for a small desk.
With lots of reserve, yet hopeful, I asked God to let me find this desk. As you can imagine I found one and it adorns my office today. It's a lovely old oak desk, small with two shelves. It took me a few days to realize that I found the exact desk I had prayed for. It is a vivid memory and a lot of life has happened since then. Isn't it wonderful how our brains work?
Reading this quote I am reminded how grateful I am for even the tiniest things. Who doesn't like the feeling when you step into a hot shower? I can be expressive as some of you know, and there have been many times when I squealed with joy because my shower felt so good. I love my hot shower in the morning - when it first touches my hair and then I feel it running down my back. Sometimes I say thank you God, for my hot shower. I am reminded of the many people who don't have that privilege, that many of us take for granted. And how about that cup of coffee in the morning, the first few precious sips, it's hot and fragrant and warms me to my core. And my 3 sons that are healthy, young men with 3 wives that love and adore them. A new grand daughter that loves her Nonna and is the paparazzi baby of the family!
I am very grateful for the good health I have always enjoyed. Especially when I hear of my neighbor who has breast cancer, or my other neighbor who got liver cancer and in two months was gone. Worse yet, is hearing about children who have a terminal illness. And all the heinous crimes we hear about on the news - daily, senseless crimes. Yesterday, a friend had a dental appointment and a very unpleasant procedure to look forward to. He needed a crown and crown work is very expensive and painful. His response was perfect - I am grateful I am able to have crown work done and can pay for it. Thank you, Keith, for being such a good friend, and a beautiful example to all who know you!
Being grateful for all the tiny blessings in our lives is a constant reminder how fortunate we are. Seeing the glass half full is an attribute that can add years to one's life and happiness on a daily basis.
Alive - thinking about the quote above - it is such a privilege to be alive when we think about all the people we know, for different reasons, they are not alive today, but we are. We can't take that for granted, we must respect life and be a good example for others. My wonderful therapist, Janet, gave me pearls of wisdom recently. "When in doubt do what is hardest." Wow, that is an awesome statement.
Breathing - comes naturally for most of us, but not for that relative that has COPD, or the 6 year old that has asthma, or the child whose lungs were burned from a meth lab explosion.
Thinking - I love to think and express my self in prose. We don't all have that luxury.
Enjoy - to enjoy the little things in life. A sunset, a child's laughter, at the end of the day knowing we gave work our best, tucking a child into bed and reading his favorite book for the 100th time. It's all these little things that end up being the important things.
To love - to love yourself is most important. If we can't love ourselves, then how can we expect others to love us? It all starts inside of us. Loving your family, your spouse or partner, and your friends. To love: affectionate concern for the well-being of others. That's it, that is the one we need to focus on. That meaning has huge implications. That will be my topic tomorrow, "love".
More writing on love - romance, attraction, soul mates, love at first sight, at a later date.
Good night and God Bless! Aleta
"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us."
- Albert Schweitzer
In grateful for you. Excellent writing!
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