(This post was written pre-pandemic AND it’s even more true in the second year of it.)

One of my brothers and his wife had driven from my hometown of London, Ontario to Toronto to pick up their son for his Christmas visit so I had lunch with all of them before they drove back. We had great food, a stimulating and funny conversation and had the waitress take pictures of the four us. All in all, it was a really pleasant time.

This supposedly small event was a really big one for me. I don’t get out often because of the stroke so what are everyday events to others are huge for me.

Here are some examples of what you may think of as “everyday” activities that people take for granted.

• going to a grocery store,
• having a conversation via phone or even better a video call (I use zoom, facetime and facebook messenger),
• having lunch with a friend either out in a restaurant or at your home,
• going through old photo albums alone or showing the pictures in them to someone,
• getting an unexpected phone call,
• getting an email with a surprise gift – not for your birthday or Christmas but “just because”
• watching a movie with family at their home
• going to a dentist appointment
• getting a “just because” card by PHYSICAL mail
• going to a doctor’s appointment

They’re all opportunities that may seem mundane and so we take them for granted.

Writing this article reminded me once again that what’s most important in life is to live in the present.

In the story I used at the beginning of our Christmas lunch, people were outside the restaurant rushing to do their last minute Christmas shopping but my family and I focused on being together.

Remember ….

Appreciate every moment that you have.

Each is a gift so don’t squander them.

Be aware and be present.

Take a picture so that when you look at it later you’ll remember the feeling you had.

Give your future self the joy of rediscovering the feeling you had in what seem like everyday moments ❤️