Recently, I find myself reflecting on my life, thinking about all the things going on right now, but also thinking about the past...the people, places, and all the events of my 49 (yikes!) years. And it has occured to me that life is like a patchwork quilt.
Now I know many of you have just conjured up Forrest Gump and his infamous "Life is like a box of chocolates" line... and good on ya.
Such a great line, one that will go down in movie history to be sure.
And just like those chocolates, we won't know what we've got in our 'quilt' until we take a bite out of life, so to speak.
But we have all started our life quilt.. from our very first life affirming breath on the day of our birth, to the breath we are taking this minute, we have been collecting and joining our 'patches of life'. These patches are our memories... of people, places, milestones, special events, feelings, family, trials and tribulations, the best of days, the worst of days, all the bits and pieces of our life so far. Some patches will burst forth with their brightness, full of happy memories. Some will soothe with soft hues and reflect a time of peace and tranquility. A few will be blue and melancholy, bringing tears as we remember times of loss and sadness. And yes, there may even be patches of bleak darkness. For there are times when we are so afraid, or lost, or hurt... the worst times of our life, but still of our LIFE.
When we can bring all our patches together, we can begin to see the beautiful work that is our life. It's all there... the vibrant reds, purples, yellows and oranges... the soft pinks, blues and greens... the dark greys and black. The dark times make the happy times so much brighter. The peaceful times surround the dark times and make them less frightening. All the contrasting patches in our quilt, somehow, find their perfect place and create a pattern of beauty and balance. Amazing.
There has been so much turmoil in my world recently, that I've not been fully participating in the great gift of life. A few days ago I had a "shame on me" moment, which then lead to my 'life quilt' reflection, and now here to my blog. I have come to realize a few things, and I'd like to share them with you.
We can only live for today. We remember our past, for it is what has brought us to this day. And we dream of our future, for it is what will see us through to tomorrow. But today is it. Live it.
The saying "Today is a gift, that's why it's called the present", is very true.
When times are tough, keep going. Reach out to those you love and who love you. Search for the smallest ray of light, and let it guide you.
Smile. It's the best contagious disease! (... and no vaccine required!)
No matter what's going on, hug your family and tell them "I love you".
Look fear in the face and say, "I just don't care". Then do what ya gotta do.
Treat yourself once in a while. You're worth it.
When someone is talking to you... listen to them.
Stop and smell the roses... or the crisp winter wind, or the falling leaves, the sweeping salt air, or the fresh cut hay. Just stop. And breathe.
Give, without thought of getting.
Live abundantly. I'm not talking making money and gathering material things. I'm talking living life. Spend time with family and friends. Take up painting. Learn to snowshoe. Volunteer at a shelter. Bring passion to your work. Smile at the people you meet on the street. Sing along to the radio in your car, even if you look like a dork to the other motorists on the road. (This is one of my favorites!) Spontaneously bake a batch of muffins and visit a senior's home at tea time. Read a book with over a 1000 pages. Start a "dine-in dinner and a movie night" club with a group of friends. The list is endless. Just start.
Love what you do, and do what you love.
Share joy.
Comfort those in sorrow.
Just be you.
My reflection has helped me through a rough spot today, and thus another patch has been added to my quilt. And when I take in all the patches of my life so far, I see a quilt of love, family, joy and sorrow, my children, my soul mate, hopes and dreams, illness and miraculous recovery, friendship, laughter, tears, music and song, beauty and art, beaches, hills, mountains and lakes, fear, bravery, and heroes.
I love it. It's beautiful just the way it is.
And like a child on Christmas morning, I am excited to receive new gifts, the gifts we are given in the dawning of each day, the gifts which will help me continue to create my very own 'patchwork quilt of life'.
It will comfort me, protect me, guide me, and make me smile. Life well lived. Job well done.
Keep on keeping on... bArB :)
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