Often people find themselves getting hyped for the next big thing in life. Maybe a vacation, or a wedding, or a party to celebrate a milestone or special occasion.
They put such emphasis on the event, counting down days and exerting almost all of their energy on anticipation, planning, and expectations.
Then the time comes and hopefully the event was what they wanted, or maybe not. Everything they’d lived for each minute, of every day, is now over. There’s a sense of letdown – a blue feeling colored by subtle shades of sadness; gratitude shining through the shadow of despair because they don’t yet know what the next best thing will be. What will they look forward to? What will they put their energy into?
But what most forget is the fact that there is magic to be found in each day. When we are lucky enough to open our eyes in the morning, that day is what we make it. When we face challenges, the outcome is how we overcome them. When we can find a way to feel at peace with ourselves, life is pretty darned good, despite any obstacles.
Just the other day, I had to stop for a school bus and I found myself absorbed in everything that was happening. Watching the kids say farewell to their families, running to the bus, filled with energy. Watching the exuberant crossing guard, waving hello to familiar faces while focusing on the stopped traffic and giddy kids, giggling, side by side, a long line of them. The sun was shining, random birds flew past, then the stop sign and flashing red lights on the bus ceased. It was time to drive again.
As I stepped on the gas, I appreciated the beauty of what I just watched and wondered why we always look for more in life. Why we aren’t satisfied with life’s daily occurrences. There is magic in many every day moments when we are mindful, when we pay attention. If we only seek the big things, we will find ourselves caught up in the throes of extremes – catapulting between great happiness and bittersweet sadness.
It’s not growing impatient when the school bus forces us to stop, children running to and from their families.
It’s seeing a cardinal fly past, wondering which one of our loved ones is paying a visit.
It’s taking pleasure in life’s every day gifts – the aroma of morning coffee or watching the sun rise; gazing up at the bright moon as the stars twinkle against the midnight blue night sky, as an owl coos in the distance.
These are life’s magical moments.
