Every once in a while when I'm home, I catch a show I really like. It's on the Discovery Channel and it's called "I Shouldn't be Alive." It is done partly in reenactments and includes the people who have actually had some horrible experience where, statistically at least, they should not have been able to live through it. Yet they did. Some call it miraculous intervention, some call it very strong willpower and others call it sheer energy. It's so intangible to some and so evident to others.
If you watch until the end of the show you will discover most have gone on to write books about their experience or become a motivational speakers. And there is a common thread among ALL of them. They are always asked about how the experience has changed their lives and it has to every single one of them. They are SO grateful and blessed to just get up in the morning and be ALIVE. They view everything differently now. And are thankful for every single minute.
I wonder, sometimes, why we have to go through such a traumatic experience or similar situation to appreciate life. It was taught to us years ago that the more we count our blessings, the more we will get. Even the blessings that come from a dark cloud----which I remember my Grandmother always telling me had a silver lining. Too bad it took so many years for my Grandmother's advice and sayings to finally sink in. It's sad as well that it will often take an accident, a tragedy or a serious illness to make us become grateful for all that we have and love. For everything we have been given to treasure that we see every day and somehow manage to look beyond until we don't see all the WONDERS anymore. The wonderful thing is, you don't have to look for the good or happiness....didn't Dorothy say it's never further then your own backyard?
Hey Carole this is so true, we take so much for granted. We are all toooo busy to stop and smell the roses.
I too struggle with this and I wish for a simpler time. My grandson is acting up lately because he does not have my full attention because even when I am watching him, I am working. It is funny because I originally quit my job when he was born so I could spend time with him and look how it is turning out. It is hard to do it all but we should be living life as if it was our last day every day. To appreciate and love one another is key
Phyllis Pafumi
Carole, I loved this post. I thoroughly ping with how you think, girl .
I've never seen the show since I don't watch television however it does sound interesting. I have been very close to death 7 times in my life and on my way there numerous others. The 7 times that I was most close, I feel I was spared by some miraculous twist of fate. Some of the stories are absolutely unfathomable, as in a supernatural force intervening. When I look back at all of the things that have happened, I realize they have embedded in stone my belief that we are merely spiritual sparks of the greater energy, temporarily having a physcial experience. For this reason, I have great faith. I exist in the moment at all times. No matter the day, the hour, the moment, I know I am doing the exact thing I am meant to do and am in the exact place I am meant to be in. Your last lines drive this whole concept completely home :
"It's sad as well that it will often take an accident, a tragedy or a serious illness to make us become grateful for all that we have and love. For everything we have been given to treasure that we see every day and somehow manage to look beyond until we don't see all the WONDERS anymore. The wonderful thing is, you don't have to look for the good or happiness....didn't Dorothy say it's never further then your own backyard? "
Beautifully said and beautifully written. Thank you .
Jo
Phyllis, I too am looking back lately and wishing things were so easy again! When you write I can think that you can take the Girl out of New York, but you can't take New York out of the Girl! But how wonderful that you are enjoying your grandson....if I have any grandchildren in the future, they are a long way off :)
Jo, SEVEN times? I hate to ask.....You surely have an angel watching over you! I felt that only happened to me once, many years ago and I knew I was going to die. And didn't of course. It makes minutes more precious.
Facing your own mortality puts a tangible value on life. Before then it's only observed. I believe it is a gift!
Carole,
I enjoyed this post, and i do believe you are right that we have a gift to start with and it should be cherished. I suppose people get caught up with the rat race and it takes something intense to wake them up. Life is short, very short. We need to be happy for every day, every minute, everyone, and everything we have the chance to encounter.
Thank you
Tom Braatz