“I love being alive.”
These are the words that came from a commercial on the TV a few weeks ago. As Jeff Bridges walked through fields and forest, reflecting on how much he missed while he was getting chemo and then when covid began.
The words were so simple, but they’ve stuck with me.
I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this the last few weeks – how often I stop to appreciate really being alive. How often I enjoy the moment I’m in, instead of just trying to get through.
It seems that in the last few weeks there’s been a lot to be stressed about – my car broke down and is in the shop, the midterm election results, flu and covid numbers back on the rise – and it really starts to get to you.
Every few days Jeff Bridges’ words have popped back into my head – “I love being alive.”
It feels like maybe it’s time to take a moment to really appreciate the good things around me, to find some flowers in the cracks again.
So, I’m writing it down. I’m making room in my brain to think about some joyful things. And I’m sharing three of those moments with you here today.
Having a skipping contest
On Saturday afternoon, I went out with my family for a walk. We were walking with purpose, trying to get a mile in before the day got too busy, and I felt so joyful. The sun was shining, the breeze was cool, and I was happy to be outside, spending time with my family.
I started to skip – which is more of a workout than I remember it being as a kid.
I challenged them to a skipping race – who could skip the fastest to the next power line pole. There’s something about skipping that is so happy. You can’t help but smile as you bound through the air. I was laughing so hard, and even though I was seriously out of breath, I was having so much fun!
Playing a new board game
My family loves to play board games! But like everyone, sometimes we get busy and don’t play for a while. This weekend, we made the time and played a couple new games, and it was So. Fun.
I bought ‘Crack the Code’ on a whim off of an Instagram ad. It’s a game where everyone answers questions while following some rule card – like touch your hair while answering your question. The detective tries to figure out what everyone is doing.
We laughed so hard while playing this game! Some rules were easy to follow, and others were terrible – but either way it was hysterical.
This was one of those perfect moments that I wish I could wrap up and keep forever.
Walking through the grocery store
This one probably sounds a little random, but let me explain.
I love walking through a grocery store.
It’s something about the way it reminds me of being little. I think it’s partly the way it reminds me of Sesame Street.
The grocery store was always an example of what a community might look like when I got older. It’s the place where your neighbors all go to pick out fruits and veggies, and you might run into someone you know.
That’s how I always want to see the world – like I’m going to find a friendly face around every corner.
It also reminds me of going to the store with my parents when I was a little kid. It always felt special, and important to get to go with them to get groceries. Picking out ingredients, and maybe getting to choose something special like cosmic brownies or a lunchable.
Walking through the grocery store almost always feels like that to me. And today it’s a flower in the cracks.
