“When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love…” ~Marcus Aurelius
How many times do we wake up and think of all the things we have to do, or, depending upon the weather, what our plans will or will not be, or of how long or short the day seems depending on our anticipation of it, etc.?
How often do we forget to actually live, observe, stand in awe and wonder at the miracle of just being able to be alive on this planet (for better or worse) and appreciate the fact that we are both physical and spiritual beings?
How often do we take life for granted? Do we perceive our circumstances as good or bad? Positive or negative? Blessed or cursed? Or somewhere in between? Do we see our lives as a privilege?
Perhaps, things aren't so black and white. Perhaps, we wake up without really "waking up" to what's in front of us. Perhaps we're so obsessed with doing, performing, accomplishing and striving for either attainable and defined goals or unattainable and ambiguous ones, that our senses become dull.
Are we truly living (not simply for ourselves nor in a self-serving manner)? Do we know what we are thinking about, or are our minds on repeat, like a broken record? Do we enjoy those things we possess or the relationships we have? Do we appreciate the gift of being able to love and be loved?
I challenge you today to ask yourself these questions. And tomorrow morning, ARISE