Growth, Guides, Happiness, Living Fully
MOMENTS AND MILESTONES
It’s been said that life is best measured in moments and not milestones. The older I get the more I see the truth in that. The more I think about it, the more I begin to treasure pieces of my past.
Of course the big events are notated and celebrated throughout the years. We note the wedding anniversaries, the career accomplishments or recognition, the major successes in our chosen fields. Naturally, my sobriety date would certainly apply. I describe it as the morning I “woke up instead of coming to!”
There’s a seed of truth in most humor. That was a true awakening. A spiritual awakening I celebrate March 15th every year. But, there are moments that led to that milestone that have become more and more meaningful as the years pass. Admittedly some are painful reminders of my own bad behavior as I reacted to suggestions that I was out of control and needed help. I wouldn’t hear it, couldn’t hear it then. But, the seed was planted and years later I changed. The lesson being that when we reflect the truth to someone we provide a monumental service.
I think as our vision improves our values change accordingly. I’ve begun to recognize the life altering impact of events, which, at the time might have passed as insignificant
For me the idea that “God walks up in shoe leather” describes those seminal moments that are the beginning of the big wins. Somebody knows somebody who then introduces you to someone who’s the right fit and bingo, you’re on a path leading to your current happy destiny. Seemingly random events have lead you to … Fill in the blank. The girl of your dreams, the job you’ve always wanted, the right doctor during a health crisis … you name it.
Events, meetings, relationships can contribute to dynamic and dramatic changes in our lives without revealing their importance at the time. By checking my spiritual rear view mirror I can spot some of those gifts and the result is a fresh coat of gratitude on the ordinary days rolling by. Because, no day is really ordinary. Every day is a gift and the importance of our actions may be well camouflaged.
So try it. Chose something you’re really grateful for and then roll back through the detailed twists and turns that led you to this perfect now. Identify those precious incidents. Without them where might you be right now?
A lovely exercise I think. What’s the point? It’s a process of appreciation. A mind game that should fill your heart with new found respect for this mysterious journey. A visit to the past that should return you safely to the home base that serves us best, the state of limitless gratitude and trust.
Paul Williams is a singer, songwriter, actor, recovery advocate and has been a fixture on the American cultural scene since the seventies. His book Gratitude and Trust is now available.