celebrate, what?  I can’t seem to get past what needs to be done to see what else is around me. When asked “What are you doing for fun today?” You might reply, ‘No time for fun,’ or ‘Just play.’ Another quick response might be, ‘Fun? What’s that?’ Yesterday, I went to a friend’s memorial gathering and it was called “Celebration of Her Life.”  She was just 55. Her smile brightened up the room when she was alive. Her sense of wit and generosity were so uplifting.  When you entered her store, it felt like home. She was not a typical salesperson. I am certain we all know somebody like that. Unfortunately, she knew that she had stage four lung cancer for two years, which she kept hidden from us. She proceeded to assist the public and spent quality time with family.  The wonderful lady spent what days she had left sharing her kindness, her desire to care for others, and her affectionate smile to everyone she knew. Her positive attitude kept her going which was a blessing. I really wonder how she did it. It was wonderful to have had the opportunity to get to know her and be in her presence. Upon hearing of her passing, we were all saddened and shocked.  Many of her clients came to pay their regards to the immediate family, every one of us were all her family in her eyes.  We shared our stories and our love for her.  They had a video playing of her life and every time we saw that smile we all smiled and felt her warmth.  She was with us on this day that we celebrated her life. Her passing makes me wonder how many of us actually do celebrate our life while we are living it. Do we embrace every moment with wonder and joy? Do we notice what splendor is around us? Are we just slaves to work and stress?  We tend to focus more on stress and getting the work done.  The so-called negative aspects seem to occupy our thoughts and time. Worrying about money, schedules and ‘to do’ lists. Sadly, this is so for many hours of our day, instead of enjoying the fact that we are alive. We totally have no idea how short or long our life will be. Every day is important. This event has brought back the importance of valuing our life and recognizing that every moment matters. Saying this, I am not suggesting we all quit our jobs and do nothing.  Yet, while we are acting and carrying out our schedule of ‘must do’s’ maybe we can add the ‘what I would like to do for myself’ into the mixture.  If we are not doing what we want to do then, whose life is it? While we are rescheduling our agenda, let’s add fun and laughter as well – those moments that put a smile on our faces. This would definitely help with frown lines and getting rid of that stress headache. Beginning today, let’s all make a pledge to see the beauty that is in our world and in our day.  Give gratitude for what we see and do.  Live each day and smell the roses.  By managing this, we can potentially permit ourselves to find time for fun.  How would you like to celebrate your life? For example, with this in mind, I went to an art show in a park. The beauty of nature and art encompassed me.  It was so soothing to one’s soul and eyes. Live music playing in the background with a woman singing, “These are a few of my favourite things…” from The Sound of Music.  So very fitting.  I began singing along while surrounded in this space of peace and beauty in gratitude for this splendorous time for my body, mind and soul. As I was wandering, a special surprise was around a corner… bubbles.  Hidden behind a tree was a bubble machine. There were many bubbles blowing everywhere.  It was so pleasant to watch the bubbles float around and kids trying to catch them. I found myself captured in the present moment – watching the bubbles float about. This simple surprise brought so much delight to many of us of all ages who came upon the bubbles.  Each bubble only lasted for a few seconds and if we had not allowed ourselves to stop and notice its existence, it would have been gone forever. Like the hidden moments in our day, we too can miss them. I thank God and this beautiful Lady for reminding me again to find the time to celebrate life.  I hope this gives you the incentive to give gratitude and celebrate the positive aspects in your life. Cheers! May we all experience the joy in each day! Views:]]>