8-15-23 I’m at Donner Lake, passing time while Stew is adjusting folks nearby. Afterwards we’re heading for a week away at the coast to see our daughter. It isn’t as nice here as “my” Lake Tahoe. There’s a lot of traffic noise as a major highway climbs up the mountain above the lake. The lake is narrow so there’s a lot of jet ski and motor boat noise close to the shore, and there’s WAY more folks walking along than I’m used to. Yet, as I sit here, many folks passing by are saying, “Oh how beautiful!”

Hearing that, I realize that I’m wasting wonderful moments by complaining and comparing when I could be enjoying. It occurs to me that I am simply “killing time.” What a strange concept when I think about it. Time is so very precious! The older I get the faster life seems to fly by, but when I’m present and in the moment time slows down.

Right now I have a dear friend who is fighting for her life and she would undoubtedly appreciate all the time she can get. Each moment is so very precious!

It's all a matter of perspective, isn’t it?! And since I’m definitely not in favor of killing time, I tell myself to shift my perspective and look with different eyes. I take a plunge into the water even though it’s a little cool and breezy and it immediately blesses me, as it always does. I choose an attitude of gratitude – after all there are lots of folks sweltering in the heat right now, with absolutely no access to water. And how many people can take a dip on any day, looking at the clouds while floating?

I was in the bathroom earlier, and there were a couple of kids who were aghast and complaining that there were no toilet seat covers, paper towels or soap. They had no idea what a privilege it is to live in a place like ours; to have that public bathroom available in the first place.

That helped me look around with my fresh eyes and I saw so many people enjoying themselves, dogs playing, babies and children shrieking with joy.

I have to wonder why do I ever waste any of my moments in any unhealthy use of imagination? Comparison and judgment, as well as worry, anger, anxiety, etc. all take me away from my heart and from residing in this present moment. Now is the only time when love is available - to heal me and fill me with awe, wonder and well-being. When I choose to be grateful, practicing in those times when things are good but maybe just not as I would prefer, it strengthens the muscle that allows me to be grateful even when things are really difficult or rotten. I can always choose a different perspective that includes love. So can you. I invite you to consciously choose a different perspective, one that includes love and gratitude, the next time you notice you’re grumbling about something. Expand yourself into the true magic of life.

Back at the lake, now that I’m paying more attention to appreciating where I am just as it is, the background noises fade. I notice I’m feeling calmer, happier, more relaxed. Today is a good day...and I make it so!