Just Breathe

Photo by Isabella and Louisa Fischer on Unsplash










I like to breathe. The intake of oxygen, the expelling of carbon dioxide… it keeps the blood moving and all the organs functioning.

Then this nasty microscopic virus (of the common cold variety) interferes with the breathing process. Armed with Kleenex, antihistamines, decongestants, cough drops, vitamins, lip balm, anti-bacterial wipes, tea, and soup… I settled in for a long night (or two).

Before the cold hit, I took breathing for granted. I didn’t even think about it. It just happened. It was easy, even automatic.

So many things in life are like that. You don’t realize how you took your health for granted until you get a diagnosis. You don’t realize how much you enjoy someone’s company until they move away. You don’t realize how it feels to be trusted until you fall out of someone’s good graces.

I think that’s why gratitude is so powerful. It provides insurance against those life disappointments. If you live in gratitude, you express appreciation in the moment, and don’t have to worry about leaving good things unsaid. You’re humbled by the good gifts you’re blessed with, rather than comparing your situation with someone else. You share what you’re given, because you want other people to feel the same gratitude.

Today, spend some time counting your blessings. Enjoy what you have in the moment.

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