THE BEST PRESENT

I often comment that I have a bad memory because there are so many things I can’t remember such as names, people, and events from my past. I remember my Grandfather could remember everything, birthdays of distant cousins, the names of everyone he ever met along with details, and he remembered more of my childhood than I did. I know we have the same genes so I wondered; why is my memory so bad while his was so good? Maybe it is because he paid more attention to the details. Maybe he was totally present wherever he was.

Years ago I had a job where they made everyone take a class on multi-tasking. I am sure someone made a fortune teaching this and it is still a big deal in companies today. People are expected to juggle multiple tasks all the time and be successful doing all of them. What’s wrong with just working on one thing at a time until it’s finished? And it’s not like we don’t have enough distractions. You see people checking their cell phone for messages or emails while buying groceries or even when they are talking with someone. A lot of our thoughts are reflecting on the past or contemplating the future. It is amazing how often I am thinking of the past or the future while the present moment is slipping away. Maybe this has a part in why my memory is so bad, I was not truly present.

I think the best gift you can give to someone is to be truly present for them. Maybe it’s the best gift you can give yourself. Is it possible that a lot of problems could be solved, relationships strengthened maybe even saved by being truly present? Sometimes I think life is so simple, we just find ways to complicate it like with multi-tasking.

I think about our family reunions and how special they were. I did not think at the time that they would end or people would pass away. But things are changing every second, nothing stays the same. I am going to try to be more present because every moment is special and you never know when those special moments will end. Being present for those you care about and to experience and remember those special moments to the fullest is THE BEST PRESENT you can give others and yourself!

Damaged Goods

I am somewhat of a perfectionist. Most people when buying something new will tend to pick the one without any flaws such as scratches, etc. I remember when I bought this car I really wanted, a white corvette. I thought it was flawless. I would always be careful where I parked it so it would not get any scratches or dings. If I came out of the store and someone was parked close to me I would always check to see if their door may have hit my car. Then one day I was washing my car and there it was.. a ding, and then I found a scratch and another. The damage had been done. But a funny thing happened. I experienced a sense of relief; no longer did I have to worry about that first imperfection. I actually could enjoy the car more. You see we all have been damaged in some way; spiritually, physically, emotionally… We are all imperfect. Realizing this, if we can be a little less judgmental and a little more compassionate then we may enhance the lives of others as well as ourselves. How would the world be changed if we embraced imperfections instead of shunning them? Would there be more love? “Imperfection leads to growth, for without it there would be no reason to improve” (D.Walls). Imperfection is not always bad, sometimes things that are DAMAGED may still be GOOD. J

Love Makes All the Colors Look Good

Last night I came home after a long day at work and got ready to feed my dog. I had bought a new dog food to try that was supposed to be healthy and for older dogs. I opened it and filled her bowl. Then I saw it, all different colors. I thought here we go. You see, before when her dog food was different colors she would pick certain ones out and lay them on the floor and not eat them. After she was done I would clean up the mess. Well sure enough she started to pick out certain colors and lay them on the floor. My first reaction after a long day was to feel a little perturbed. Then I paused for a moment and thought what if I petted her while she was eating, maybe she would associate the good feeling with the eating and do something different. I gently petted her and saw her tail begin to wag as she was eating, so I knew I was not disturbing her. I did this for a minute or two and walked away. When I came back a few minutes later, to my surprise, she had eaten all of her food, even the ones she had picked out and laid on the floor. Then I thought, maybe love makes all the colors look good.