'For the First Time'
Experience the beauty of everything around you--the people, places, things, and events--with fresh eyes.
I'm tired of the old idea of living today as if it were my last.
What about the first day?
There's so much emphasis put on memories. The moments we remember, both good and bad, seem to make us who we are and influence how we react to the present.
I love to remember. I love to slip away from reality and go somewhere I've been, be with people I miss, and stay awhile there inside my yesterdays.
It's nice to remember, but dangerous to stay there too long. By doing so we often miss the "now" events that could one day be a treasure to return to.
Today I thought about my favorite "firsts."
The first time I saw my children after they were born. The first time I tasted Kona coffee. The first time I heard Johnny Mathis sing. The first time I saw my wife, and the first time I saw an eagle fly.
I love the feeling of remembering, but oh, the thrill of the "first time" for anything.
Instead of remembering, I thought how exciting it would be if I could experience the beauty of everything around me as if it were the first time. How thrilling it would be to see the wonder in a sunrise..for the first time.
Think about all that you value in your life and pretend for a moment that you could awaken tomorrow and experience them once more...for the first time.
Now, think about this.
Imagine how exciting it would be to treat everyone you meet tomorrow like it was the first time. Oh, not pretending like they don't know you and you don't know them. But how about making a real effort to "see" them. A chance to really pay attention to who they are and what they bring to your life. Imagine taking the time to re-discover why you love them, why you call them friend, why you enjoy their company so much.
Let's take it a step further. I challenge you to see the world around you tomorrow for the first time, too. The house you live in, the car you drive, the neighborhood, the trees, the birds, your dog/cat and hamster, too.
Imagine your first bowl of Cheerios, glass of orange juice, cheeseburger and fries. Go to the local florist and buy some daisies and sit in your kitchen and touch them, smell them, for the first time.
Everything in your life, everyone in your life, was once a "first time."
Tomorrow, I dare you to appreciate all of it again like it was the first time.
Oh, yes. First thing in the morning head into the bathroom and stand in front of the mirror and see yourself for the very first time, too. I mean really see yourself up close, inside and out as if you have never met before.
Begin by introducing yourself. Yes, you are going to talk to yourself. But here are the rules.
Don't talk about what you do for a living, if you are married or if you have children. Talk about you, what you love, feel, and believe...not your labels.
If you can truly see yourself for the very first time, then the rest of the day will be incredible.
Yes, I'm tired of the old idea of living today as if it were my last.
The real excitement would be in living today as if it were my first.
You know, I am really excited about tomorrow!
