Friday, April 13, 2007

Have a good weekend, my darling little songbirds.

I think a lot... about the bad things we do to each other.
And the bad things that happen to people that never did anything to hurt anyone else.
And people born with challenges that most of us couldn't dream of coping with for a day, let alone a lifetime.
And how cruel kids can be.
And how good people die too young sometimes.
And how greed seems to trump basic human decency these days.
And how we seem to care more about Britney's divorce developments than, say, the teenager who stabbed her newborn 135 times and dumped it in the trash.
And how we over schedule our lives to the point that we don't notice the simple, beautiful things that make being here worth it- like a perfect cup of coffee or the way a stranger saying "hi" makes us feel good and part of something bigger than ourselves.
And how lies on top of lies from everyone - government, big business, criminals, etc...seems to be trickling down to everyday human interaction. It's becoming acceptable, and usually profitable, to be a big, fat liar.
And how so many people die violently every day in the name of religion, politics and civil disorder that we don't really register it anymore. We're too numb to even get angry.
And how we have lost our sense of community to the point that many of us don't know our neighbors that well, if at all, and we isolate ourselves with gigantic houses, fences and security systems.

But mostly I think about the everyday struggles and how we lose some of ourselves in the pursuit of a "lifestyle", or notoriety, or a bigger raise, or skinnier thighs, or more youthful skin, or a nicer car, or designer clothes, or, or, or....

This could be paralyzing. If I let it be.

But there are moments. Pieces. Bits that remind me how great my life is, how lucky I am to be on the planet, how meaningful and worthwhile every day can be, if you let it happen.

That perfect cup of coffee.
A kiss every morning before he leaves for work.
A perfect passage or sentence in a favorite book.
A genuine compliment you didn't expect, that you graciously accept instead of denying.
Opening a real letter, written with a pen and not a keyboard.
Looking through your pictures and remembering everything wonderful, extraordinary, awful and hilarious event that you've captured a little piece of.
A stranger opening a door for you, or opening a door for a stranger.
Homemade macaroni and cheese.
A day off with nothing to do but just be.

That moment you finally realize that the real things that matter aren't money, popularity, perfect skin, promotions or real estate. The moment you can let go a bit and just, relax.

It's And the moments. The really, really great moments.


Brillig said...

Look at you, getting all serious on me!

I love this. It's very... I dunno. Refreshing, maybe. It makes me feel peaceful as I get to the end of it. It makes me want to stop and notice. Great post.

Melissavina said...

I love this post.

I feel like I just had a nice yoga session.

thethinker said...

I'm definitely guilty of the over scheduling.

The mention of macaroni and cheese made me hungry.

Kate said...

I agree. Very thoughtfully written post. Good stuff.

Margie Blystone said...

...And for people who take the time to remind us what's important in life.

The Best post I've read on a blog in a long time!

I'm printing this one out, sharing it with friends and displaying it on the wall of my studio.

metalia said...

I love this.