Savoring the Moments

Have you ever noticed how it seems like we rush through life? We move from one activity to the next, checking things off of our list, too focused on where we need to be, to see where we are today. I know I am guilty of this, and even though I have had more than enough reminders on the value of time, I even teach a class on enjoying the moments that I have missed more than I would like to admit.

I struggle to unwind, to relax. My brain never stops, I see a pretty picture or hear a line in a movie, and inspiration hits. I instantly want to get up and start writing. Taming my thoughts and energy is a daily challenge. I love what I do so much that I forget I am working, I never realize the number of hours I spend in my office. Yet, life goes on, and moments pass without me noticing them. The only thing in life we can really collect, the only way we can truly make sense of our lives, is in the moments, the experiences we have had, the amazing conversations, the heartbreaking truths of life we share with family and friends.

This past May I received a very clear sign it was time to slow down and enjoy the little things more. Recently laid off, contemplating how to turn my dream into a full-time business, I was venting to my special needs lab, Raffy. As I talked and he listened, I saw how gray his sweet face has become, and noticed how much more pronounced his limp was. It was as if time itself was slapping me across the face. I had spent his life building a career, watching it crumble, figuring out who I was, and then taking off on another dream. I missed so much of his precious life. I struggled to recount stories of his puppyhood, and the impact his arrival had on me. I was heartbroken, and furious at myself.

I realized at that moment it was time to stop taking myself so seriously, to focus on the little things in life, the moments most people miss, and really enjoy them. Selina, a scrappy puppy we recently adopted, just turned 6-months old. Her arrival has turned our home upside down. Struggling to potty train her, deal with her attitude, and not break her spirit, has left me in tears more times than I care to admit. Yet her sweet side, the moments she needs comforting and cuddles, the firsts with her, the way she loves her food more than makeup for the rough times. Understanding how short a time we are blessed with dogs, and how much of Raffy’s life I chose to miss, I promised myself I would not do the same with Selina.

I have come to love the puppy interruptions. Letting her in and out 15 times a day has increased my steps and helped me to lose weight. Working outside with her has allowed me to enjoy the summer sun, long afternoons, and moments of playing. Taking the time to not only meet her needs, but to enjoy the moments has left me feeling more centered, relaxed, and focused.

It’s easy for me to say enjoy the chaos of a young home when I have a high school senior. Looking back over the years I can tell you the spills don’t matter, no one remembers where the stain came from, but you do remember the days you laughed so hard you snorted, the moments you chose to close your computer and play tea party. The secret is in finding the magic of the moment, the gift waiting for you. Understanding that while you clean up the spill, you can take a few minutes to just breathe. Stains add character to a home. That the moments you spent launching are really only 10-minute breaks, but the results are so much greater than that.

As I sit on the edge of a quiet home, a home where soon there will be no one yelling mom, or homework to do, my heart breaks a little. While I hate homework and love days off, I will miss sitting at the kitchen table until 10 pm eating chocolate as I struggle to understand what language calculus is written in. I will miss the days of running to and from the school 15 times, and the catching-up we did in the car. I would trade an orderly house for 10 more minutes of chaos with my child and dogs.

Learn to savor the moments. Given ten more hugs, play for 15 minutes longer, eat ice cream for dinner. Tomorrow will still come, and whatever we were supposed to complete that day will be completed. There is no sense in worrying, all it does is rob us of our most precious commodity, time. Take it from me, stop and enjoy life before it is simply a whisper.

Sincerely,

Sara O