The last couple of weeks have been filled with good reminders to me to embrace what is in front of me--a colleague’s sudden passing, life changing for another friend on a dime, and on and on. These reminders have really been wake up calls to cherish the moment. And, that simple task of “cherishing the moments,” has led to a many laughs, several unplanned outings and great conversations, countless meaninful conversations that I would not otherwise have had because it would have been so easy to hit “ignore” on my phone. Some of the moments have been marked by uncomfortable conversations, but those conversations have led to clearing of the air and laughs and enjoyment more than I can even imagine.
Yesterday, in the hustle and bustle of a Sunday afternoon, the phone rang. My mind went wild. Initially I thought, “thank goodness for caller ID,” ....to a feeling of happiness....to a thought “maybe I should just let it go to voicemail.” You see, it was a person whom I had not spoken to for a while. I had intentionally stepped outside the drama several months ago and really didn’t want to get back in. I answered, although knowing it was going to be one of those initially awkward conversations, but I told myself “enjoy the moment.”
After some initial hard discussion, the conversation quickly changed to laughter and banter—just like the good old days. So much so, that my son came from another part of the house to confirm (in astonishment) who he thought I was on the phone with. …gotta love that teenager monitoring his mom’s calls.
As I hung up the phone, it seemed a bit ironic that part of the drama that I had stepped outside of was based on a decision to “embrace the moment.” One person’s decision of embracing a moment was like a pebble being thrown into a still pond—the ripple effect was amazing. Friendships distanced. Hurt feelings. Harsh words.
I guess, like in everything, it’s about balance. Enjoying the moments, but not losing track of the big picture. For me, I think it is important to still have a plan, still have expectations, but I'm learning that I need to make a conscious effort to all the little moments along that journey. There is such a balance between finding joy in every moment and realizing that I’m not getting any younger. No haircut, magic potion, weight loss, new wardrobe will change that fact! I need a plan.
So as I focus on this week, my goal is to have a road map to the life that I want, but on the way, to stop OFTEN and have a "cup of joy" at the local diner.