Are You Enjoying The Day ?

Celebrating the fourth of July with family proved to be both fun and inspirational. Long days in the cool waters of the swimming pool surrounded by loved ones and an occasional cold beverage was perfect. The faces of children we adore playing and the sounds of their angelic voices laughing was the soundtrack for the ultimate holiday.

And then the generations met in a private conversation overheard from the pool. The six year old who is a wise soul at an early age, picked up his chair and went and placed it next to his great-grandmother. He has always been extra protective of her. He helps her when she walks or climbs steps and he seems constantly conscious of including her. He sat beside her and she smiled approvingly. Then he looked at her and said: Nana, are you enjoying the day ?

The power of the question struck me as did the sincerity of the remark. He honestly wanted to know that she was having a great time and that knowledge would make him happy. He has a generous spirit and he cares deeply for his great-grandmother. And his wise question reminded me to take note of the day and every special moment.

We can easily fall victim to the heat and the anxiety of petty daily conflicts. There is only one register open in a store with a long line. Traffic is moving slowly and we have an appointment. Our phone calls remain unanswered. We have our neighbors' mail, again. Our team loses. Our hamburger does not appear to be what we ordered. Devastating news headlines rattle our brains and hearts. So the "bad" days happen. But when we have a good day, do we enjoy it?

Something as simple as a regular meeting for margaritas and Mexican food can be a day to be enjoyed. Maybe we take it for granted but it is an escape from the trials and troubles of the outside world and a communion of sorts with people you care about. You want them to enjoy it and we want to enjoy it. Meeting to watch the World Cup or football or baseball or hockey or basketball seems off the radar on the special scale but it is to be enjoyed. Appreciate it. Give thanks for it.

It does not need to be a graduation, wedding, barmitzva or birth to merit celebration and happiness. Informal gatherings for happy hours or a cup of coffee are worthy of joy. Simple conversations can result in a gladness for the moment. It is about relaxation. It is about pleasure, fun, satisfaction and gratification. It is about the question posed by the astute six year old.

When the planets align and your karma is good, take a moment to recognize it and appreciate it and yes, enjoy it. Rejoice in the moment. Cherish it.

Many times we lament over the difficulty in getting family together or getting friends together and then when it happens we are still thinking about the infrequency of the gatherings or the brevity of the visits. Scheduling challenges seem to control the calendar. The holidays are typically a time when people say that their families visited but it was all a blur. Before the moment is over we are already worrying about traffic or potential problems in the upcoming week.  Hear the mantra of the six year old. Are you enjoying the day?

It is not about what we do not have. It is about what we have. We have lost loved ones. There is no quick fix for that loss. The pain is there and will be there. What we do have is amazing memories. We do have their love. We do have others to share those memories with as we continue on our journeys. And those we have lost would certainly be asking us, are you enjoying the day?

It can be a phone call from a friend or an email or a visit or a trip. And just a reminder but we may have to make the effort to make that visit or trip happen. If you want it, then put forth a wee bit of time and work. Say it with me: Road trip! Road trip! Road trip! A recent road trip for a wedding resulted in a glorious reunion with friends who are family and new relationships with their families. The planets aligned. We thoroughly enjoyed it.

Spontaneous get-togethers are an unexpected kick to an otherwise humdrum day. Meet for pizza or wine and cheese. Regular happy hours or book clubs or dinners or lunches or brunches are there for the taking. Day trips to relish are waiting for you. There is no reason to be alone. There is no reason to be lonely. Walk out on to that diving board. Jump in. Pick up the phone and call the person you want/need to see. And then, enjoy the day.

We used to make fun of our older relatives who said things like : Those children are growing so fast! or This year has just flown by ! We are now those people. You blink and an entire season is gone. Slow down and enjoy it.

There is a group of men who meet religiously every morning for breakfast at a local restaurant. If the doors are open then they are there. They tell tall tales and laugh and eat. They are enjoying the day. There are ladies who lunch. Same formula. They are enjoying the day.

Delight in your next gathering however unceremonious it may be. Drink it in. Have fun. In addition to our usual questions: Where are my keys? Why did I walk in to this room? Ask yourself,  : are you enjoying the day ?