March 1, Wednesday, Day 146

St. George Island SP, Eastpoint, Fl.        Ash Wednesday

A bridge across the swamp

Today is a day to reflect on the transitoriness of life and to examine the choices we make. Are our choices making us happy or miserable? People of all ages have these thoughts, but those of us baby boomers in retirement or about to retire know that our days are numbered. The importance of mindful living in the present moment is magnified realizing the speed at which the days fly by.

I am not preaching about being good so you go to heaven. I am advocating that we savor each day as a precious gift. In doing so, we become aware of many fleeting moments of the day which are gratifying in a special way: a phone call from the kids, meeting an old friend while shopping, the rays of the sun reflecting off of a pond in a park.

All these mundane moments are packed with ineffable thoughts and feelings. Though unspoken, we are aware of sensations of belonging and wholesomeness. Being mindful of these sensations and being grateful for them make for a heavenly day.