Why?
Why on earth do you get up so early?
I’m asked that all the time.
Most people don’t appreciate the fact that I wake up at 4am eager to face the day. In fact, I often wake up without the aid of an alarm. But that hasn’t always been my approach to life. It has only in the last decade that I have come to the realization that each day is a miracle. I think it was my mother’s death that made me more aware of how precious our time here really is and how much we take for granted.
Yesterday afternoon I was waiting and waiting and waiting for my turn to cross the highway and go home. My route has become a nightmare of logistics since road construction began last year. Traffic has increased as well. I was tempted to whine and complain, but instead found myself thinking about what a miracle it is that most of us survive our daily commute.
I guess that is just one example of a changed mind. No road rage, just gratitude.
Since mother’s death I just can’t take a lot of things as seriously as I once did. I can’t whine and complain and find fault with the nit-picky details of daily life because I’m here. I can enjoy the day. I can be part of the solution. I can help someone feel better. I can take pleasure in the beauty around me. Oh, I’m not perfect. Don’t make a list of the things I’ve complained about here on my blog. Life still has its ups and downs. But I don’t dwell in unhappiness anymore. I don’t wallow in self-doubt and pity. I don’t guard my emotions with self-righteous anger. I’ve found peace instead and it is much more satisfying. When problems do arise or I’m tempted to fall into despair, I find that I just can’t stay in a bad mood; I just can’t worry for very long. There is too much joy to appreciate!
So that is why I’m up before the sun. I’m positive that each day is a miracle and I can’t wait to wake up and participate in whatever happens.
I sincerely hope that this day is a miracle for you!
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