Being Present.

Lately I've been starting to think about New Year's Resolutions. My first idea was to make a change to positively impact the environment (or, less negatively) for each member of our family. 5 actions over the next 12 months. Seems doable. I think I will do it.

However, as I was pondering the idea, I got the most recent bit of sad news from within my group of family and friends. This year has been exceedingly laden with sad / bad news. I remember the feeling of once being impervious to the big d's (death, disease, divorce). Suddenly I feel surrounded by them. My girlfriend, Twyla, and I were discussing last night why we think this is. My best guess is age. Ask anyone in their late 30s and older and they would likely know a handful of people currently grieving a loss, fighting a disease, or going through a divorce.

In any event, whatever the bad news coming from my circle, time and time again it has brought me to the same place. Be PRESENT. Be present in your relationships, and tell / show your spouse / partner / parent / sibling that you love them often. Be present with your children. Smell their heads, look in their eyes, and memorize who they are today because NOW is when you are lucky enough to get to be their parent. There are no guarantees. Be present in your life and do the things you want to do, because no one is making any promises about your own health and longevity, either. Be present, and be appreciative.

So I think my resolution is going to be a combo deal. I'm going to try to do the environment thing, because it is the right thing to do. But I'm also going to really really focus on ways to be present in my life and in the lives of those I love.

Sending love and healing to those of you who need it. I know you will do the same when I do.

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