Taking Things for Granted

The first 22 years of my life were spent in the Pacific Northwest, surrounded by mountains, evergreens, and an abundance of fresh seafood available. I got tired of the drizzly gray days and longed for more days with temperatures in the 80’s and 90’s during the summer, and more snowy winter days.  

I got married and moved to Santa Barbara, California, where my wish for more sun was granted, but we lived in a 425 square foot apartment for five and half years. It was a beautiful area, but we were ready to move on to a place with four seasons and more affordable housing.  

Minnesota became our home and has remained so for the better part of three decades. I have come to enjoy the flora and fauna, as well as the climate of the state, most of the time. However, I found that things that I took for granted in my other states were things I would come to miss.  

Perhaps you’re finding this too? 

It doesn’t have to be about where you live. It’s all the little things. 

My father-in-law has Alzheimer’s. There was one time during the last 34 years when I got to drive through Livingston, Montana with him alone. I don’t remember why it was just the two of us in the car, but I do remember him showing me the boarding house where he lived when he was working for Montana Power Company and first met my mother-in-law. The woman who ran the boarding house made some exceptional meals, which was something that always impressed him (women who made good food), and he commented on it. He also showed me their first house after they got married. It was cool seeing the town through his memories. I always thought I would get more opportunities to get more stories like that...but I didn’t. I took it for granted that he would share stories like that with me, but I neglected to ask for them at other times.  

My youngest daughter would love it if her dad and I would lift weights regularly. We are in our mid-50s, and muscle and bone loss is a reality. We know this, but we are busy and haven’t started a regular routine yet. We are taking for granted that our bodies will wait for us to get less busy.  

Angels are urging us to get into the present moment. What is it about where you are this very moment that is making your life feel joyful or special or sacred?  

If you cannot think of anything, it’s time to make a connection!  

Where are you and what is nearby that is beautiful? Breathe the air. Take in the uniqueness. Take a mental photo. Feel how this place feels in your body: in your head, your heart, your feet.  

Is there someone you love that you haven’t spoken to in a while...or you have, but it was surface level? Call them and ask them about a favorite memory. Find out what’s most important to them in their answer.  

Is there a behavior that would be good for your physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual state that you’re waiting for a more convenient time to get started? Imagine what someone successful in that area does to achieve that result each day, then do that. Become that person...a person who does that behavior. 

Our biggest regrets come from taking things for granted: whether you assume the grass will be greener if you move or change jobs and you’re missing the incredible things around you, or you think that your loved ones will always be around and able to answer your questions, or you think you’ll have time to get healthy later. Today is the day! Make a difference today for your tomorrow!