Lifestyle and Appreciation

We choose and develop a specific type of lifestyle based on what is important to us, what we appreciate and what we respect.  I think for most of us as we look over the years we will see that our lifestyles undergo change as we grow and move through different stages of life.  This past week I have been confronted with a couple of situations that have caused me to reflect even further on the fact that I am guilty of taking many of my blessings for granted.  I have certain things and people in my life that are a part of my every day in one way or another and I have failed to give them the continued every day appreciation that I truly feel and that they deserve.  My lack in verbally expressing or consciously thinking how grateful I am for what I have and what I have been able to be a part of is really not because I no longer see how valuable they are to me, but rather because I have gotten so use to them always being there, part of my life, making up my ‘lifestyle’. I have allowed the routine of life to blind the fact that I neglect to show the appreciation I feel towards those that make my life so complete.  I have relied on them always being there and have overlooked the fact that in a blink of an eye they could be taken from my life.

This week had me looking at many parts of my life in a different light. I have become aware once again that I have somehow lost track of time with being busy, been easily side tracked and have lost opportunities to show my appreciation towards many people and opportunities. I have realized just how many times I have not lived in the moment, breathing in every smell, truly seeing every view, hearing every word because I have taken those moments for granted and assumed they would be there again tomorrow. I don’t want regrets in my life.  I want those around me to never doubt what they bring to my life, how much I appreciate and value them. Wake up each morning grateful for every breath and take every opportunity to show gratefulness and appreciation to those in your life who are deserving of it.

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca