This is a great reminder to us all.  We become so enmeshed in life that we forget to do the simple things.  We become so wrapped up in who we are, and who they are, and maybe we should be like others, that we forget to be ourselves.  I try to remind myself to “stop and smell the roses” but I do forget.  I put off writing a note to someone because there’s always tomorrow.  Tomorrow runs out eventually for each of us.

As I get older, I encounter more loss as we all do.  It’s hard to lose friends and family even though we know it’s part of the natural cycle.  I’m working on accepting loss with celebration.  I’m becoming aware of just how fortunate I’ve been to know people, even for a short time.  Most of all I’m becoming aware of how each one has touched my life.  Each loss allows me to add to the richness and depth of my own character.  Each loss allows me to revel in the joy of having known that one individual.  Each loss allows me to revel in the fact that I was allowed to know that particular individual because our relationship was there to enrich my life.

While I grieve as most people do, on the inside a bright sun is shining.  How lucky am I?  There are many songs, poems and books out there to help one cope with loss.  We each have it within ourselves to do so already.  Some may go the Tim McGraw route and “Live Like You Are Dyin'” but I prefer a more upbeat thought process.  To quote the Lee Ann Womack song, “I Hope You Dance:”

“I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.

Dance….I hope you dance.”

Watch for me because I’ll be dancing like no one is watching!  Join me!