We all know the key to happiness and a fulfilled life is gratitude. Most of us have something we can be grateful for if we really think about it. Like most people, I am grateful for my family, my relationships, my health, etc… That’s the general stuff. But it’s the moments that life is made of, right? Those frozen moments that almost take you out of your body and snap your consciousness into pure gratitude as if you are witnessing yourself in that time and place. In that spirit, I thought I would share some of those special moments that I am particularly grateful for.
The quiet solitude of an early morning. My water fountain on my right gently trickling over a bed of rocks, most of which handpicked for me by my daughter Madison years ago when she was very little. When I look at them I can see her running up to me on some beach, her little hands full of rocks and shells exuberantly saying, “Look Daddy, look what I found for you!” A scented candle flickering and bouncing light off the window. Feeling that energized heat when I am reading or writing something inspiring. Connecting with that Universal energy at the beginning of a new day.
In the sweaty throws of a great workout when an amazing song comes on. Today (Thanksgiving 2013) it was during a seated lat pull exercise, covered in sweat, muscles burning, looking up at the black ceiling of the gym…when Iron Maiden’s Rime of the Ancient Mariner comes on. I pause for a second, half smile, and think “f$*k yeah…” I re-seat my incredible Etymotic noise cancelling ear speakers and turn it up. I can’t seem to get it loud enough as I continue the reps with increased strength, intensity…and gratitude.
Those moments when I truly know in my heart that my kids know I love them and I will always be there for them. That they are happy, well provided for, and will have the perspective and gratitude to lead beautiful, fulfilled lives (hopefully with me in it as much as possible!).
On the motorcycle with my riding friends, early morning rolling out from some non-descript hotel/motel in some new place in the country. A clean, rolling two lane road, morning mist in the trees and grass, mellow morning tunes in the headphones providing the peak soundtrack. A chill in the air, but the gear keeps me warm. The morning sun glinting through the trees and getting higher, knowing it will soon warm us fully. The adventure of the entire day ahead of us. Sights, sounds, smells, the feel and power of the bike…total sensory overload.
The look on someone’s face when they see their new weight on the scale and begin to believe. The look of joy and the beginning of hope that they will finally be able to achieve the goals they have set for themselves; for their body and their overall lives, and the knowledge that I have contributed to that in some way.
The end of the day, in bed, a big bowl of warm popcorn, a tall cool glass of niteworks on my end table, beautiful Lori and I watching a movie or series we are following (Sherlock Holmes, Weeds, Breaking Bad). My left arm around her, her head on my chest gently rising and falling as I breathe in and out, the smell of her hair, the touch of her unbelievably soft skin, feeling the pattern of her breathing change and her gently twitch indicating she has fallen asleep…and the feeling of total contentment in that space.
These are just a few of the wonderful moments I was able to come up with right away that I am blessed to experience and for which I am deeply grateful.
I’ll bet you can come up with just as many or more off the top of your head! Try it!!
