“Someone somewhere in this world today is taking their last breath. At some point, it will be us. Let’s not take our life, our little moments for granted.“
I’ve been listening to this guided meditation for many times. Although the statements are true, I can’t help but think it’s too dramatic. However, today it’s the first time I actually HEARD the message.
The story started a week ago when I volunteered as a coach in a 3-day coaching training. I went through the exact course 3 years ago in the same hotel room before I got my certification. I felt blessed to be able to help and connect with new coaches.
I took a day off right after the training to hike my favorite trail and to reflect how far I’ve come and my learnings over the weekend. I felt great!
Things started to change when I was notified on Tuesday that one of the students tested positive for covid. My heart sank because none of us wore a mask when we were in the room. I’m usually fairly cautious but I chose the comfort of not wearing a mask from 9am to 7pm for 3 days. And frankly, I didn’t want to feel like I don’t fit in.
By Tuesday night, my throat feels funny.
By Wednesday night, my throat starts to inflame but I can talk normally.
By Thursday morning, my throat is sore and I start losing my voice. I end up canceling all my meetings. My throat hurts when I swallow, especially at night.
Friday, the symptom continues and my ears start to hurt. It hurts to my core whenever I sneeze or cough. I reschedule whole day of work again since I still can’t talk.
Luckily, I start feeling better and better afterwards. I’m happy to report that I can talk, drink, stretch, and think normally now.
Other than binge watching Korean drama during the recovery, I keep asking myself – “what’s the gift in this situation?”
How can being sick be a good thing? You ask
I got nothing.
That’s until this morning, when I finally HEARD the message in that meditation. Then I smile.
The message is to take nothing for granted. What a gift!
We often do not think about the things that are working for us, until they are taken away.
For a quick experience, you can pulse and imagine you lose electricity at home for 24 hours. Seriously, imagine it. You’ll immediately feel enormous gratitude toward the speedy wifi and the light to enable you to read this blog post. 😉
Covid is the best example to keep us grounded. I used to take so many things for granted:
- Access to toilet paper and food
- Access to toilets on a hike
- Free meals and drinks at work
- Spontaneous connections with coworkers
- Shaking hands or hugging people without second thoughts
- Putting groceries away without having to wipe any of them
However, as the world goes back to “normal”, I slowly forget about this lesson.
Yet, the sickness in the past 5 days teaches me to continue to take stock of my fortune:
- I appreciate I have a desk, laptop, and electricity for me to write this post
- I appreciate I live in a spacious house where I can quarantine myself and keep my partner safe
- I appreciate watching the shaking leaves from the blow of the wind and feel nature’s energy
- I appreciate the fresh air since California’s forest is not on fire
- I appreciate I am in good health to breath, drink water, and think normally
- I appreciate my partner, family and friends’ care when I get sick
- I appreciate I share the same experience with millions of people
- I appreciate you who are reading this message
With the deepen sense of appreciation, I can’t help but wonder:
What will life look like, if we do not take our little moments for granted?
What will life look like, if we start every day fresh with deep appreciation for our fortune?
Love,
Wen
P.S. Some of you might know my Q2 visibility challenge – I now create videos and shared them on LinkedIn and Facebook. I thought why not have them live all in one place – WenCoaching YouTube channel. They are 2-3 minutes weekly videos to share what’s on my mind. Enjoy!