The other day I had the privilege to spend some time with my niece and nephew, both of whom are very young. Having grown Anthony his whole life, I can see what a treasure a little one is. How they think and how they play. For the overwhelmed parent it is a little difficult to appreciate because the challenges are many and providing for a family, especially in these times, is no piece of cake.
At work on Friday I got to do a very specialized case, the first of its kind at our facility, and it went well. It was a challenge and oddly enough, when I asked my colleagues for any advice on how to approach it, only one person answered and their information was incorrect! Fortunately I have the experience to anticipate contingencies and I did. The surgeon asked me what I thought was 'fast' for a case like that. I said, 'I don't know, one hour I suppose?'. Well he turned it into a friendly challenge 'from anesthesia'! Commenting off and on throughout the case, in a good-natured way. The patient and their support system was phenomenal too.
Just like the seasons change, so do the seasons of our lives.
But without the changing colors of Autumn, and without the cyclical nature of the seasons of the year. Spring returns. But our youth? No. It slips away while we are raising our families and living our lives. Yet the entire process can be enjoyable and deeply rewarding. Lessons are not fun, I will give you that. And they can make us wish for the time to pass quickly. Even though there are always more lessons to follow!
Open your eyes. Watch. Look around you to the little vignettes that you are allowed to see--the parent holding their sleeping baby. The little one's joy and running to give someone a hug. Where I was yesterday I saw a lot of 'little people' walking around--genuine achondroplastic dwarfs--and enjoying their families. I saw one walking with a cane (they get terrible back pain and spinal stenosis due to their condition)...and I thought to myself, 'Wow! you don't get to see this every day!'
Appreciate the color and texture of your life experience. Realize everyone around you is in the thick of learning their lessons. When you can, give a smile or a polite compliment to brighten someone's day.
Dig in to your life lessons! They will propel you to much happiness! Especially when you complete some of the more challenging ones.
Dream your dreams. Try not to compare yourself to others. For example, your lesson might be on resources (money) and no matter what you do you can't seem to get that one right. But your rich friends with the nanny and the housekeeper, remember they are learning their lessons too, just they have already completed the money one. And a few, if they are having a really sweet life, well, they may be on a breather incarnation after a series of really hard lessons lived one life after the next. You are at the best place for YOU.
I do not know what the future will bring--higher prices, political unrest, a super modern lifestyle?--nobody knows that. As long as your eyes and ears and senses are working you have very incredible gifts. Especially when you have loved ones to love.
Take a moment to think about this.
You will be glad you did.
clap! clap!
Aloha and Mahalos,
Namaste,
Peace,
Ross and Carla
The Couple
