Gratefulness

"If you suffer, it is not because things are impermanent. It is because you believe things are permanent." -Thich Nhat Hanh

As we age, losses are more common than uncommon. We lose partners, jobs, and dear friends. Some of us even experience the painful tragedy of losing children. Some lose status, retirement savings. Friends and family move away for good. Flowers fade. Trees lose their leaves. Ponds dry up. If we're lucky, we have gained some wisdom. We become more spiritual. Some of us make a deeper connection to God, to a higher purpose. We come to see that we are a part of an ever-changing cycle of birth and death, an ebb and flow. We come to trust our place in the universe and choose to be grateful for this day-today-for this moment now.

Today I am filled with gratitude for this breath, this moment, this life, this opportunity, whatever is in front of me-right now. I am so grateful for the gift of my time on this earth.