by Nancy Horton

Created on: March 30, 2008   Last Updated: August 03, 2008

This is a lesson that I learned at a very young age; however, like most of us, I continue to struggle with this on a daily basis. Being the imperfect person that I am, I continue to get caught up with daily routines, responsibilities, and concerns which come my way. And of course these things need my attention as well; however, it goes back to that all too famous word..."balance" that I find myself lacking every once in a while. And when lack of balance is an issue, I find myself missing out on too much of life's wonders, joy, love, and miracles.

I knew a recovering alcoholic once who told me a story about himself when he was still drinking. He said that back when he was drinking he didn't take note to his children and their needs, let alone the love they had to offer him. He said that about a year or so after he got sober he saw his kids for the first time. By then they were teens. He said that he pulled up in the drive way, and before he got out of his car, his kids came out of the house. He met them in the middle of the yard as they were running out toward him. He said that his son got to him first; and as a teen... being grown and buff, he picked his father up in his arms and swung him around and around in the yard. He realized then just how much he had missed all of those previous years, and yet....how lucky he was to be sober and in the moment. And be truly fulfilled with the beauty of his son's reaction to his presence, and the love he still has to offer him. A very bitter-sweet story about a father and son moment, and the lesson one man learned about appreciating his children, and life.

Sometimes we may find ourselves in self pity, acknowledging others blessings, and not our own blessings in life. There is that old saying "the grass is greener on the other side of the fence". The grass "can be" green on both sides if it is treated properly with love, care, and appreciation. In other words, it doesn't have to be something "everyone else" has. And in fact if we take just a few moments of our our day to take note to the beauty around us, we just might find that our side of the fence isn't that gloomy after all. And even those times when we are faced with unfortunate events, we can still find ways to shed light from them....and that is living the best of each moment as well.

But the secret to making the best of each moment is simply by "living in the moment, maintaining inner peace, and having gratitude for our blessings in life." Some people may say sarcastically,

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