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Friday, September 24, 2010

The Gift of the Present


This year, the start of autumn has a different feel to me. It's a season that I like a lot, for the crisp days, for the beauty of nature, for the fresh start September still makes me feel. But this year, the hockey season is approaching in a way it's never felt before. We, the Chicago Blackhawks, won the Stanley Cup last season. I've never started a hockey season after winning it all the previous season. Winning was a time of sheer happiness, a time of arms raised, of championship tee shirts, of everyone smiling just a little bit more. As autumn comes, as the start of the new hockey season begins, things have changed, as I knew they would. The euphoria is gone, due to the salary cap the roster has changed quite a bit, and everyone in the league will be gunning for us.


This year, autumn is a time for reflection, a time of looking back but also looking forward. It's also a time to be thankful for what we've got, and what we've had. No matter what happens this season, I will always appreciate the specialness of last season, the magic that allowed everything to fall into place just right at just the right time. And that magic has taught me a lesson: to appreciate all the little things that fall into place just right, to appreciate all the little miracles that happen every day. In our busy lives we sometimes sit back to reflect, we sometimes look toward the future. To be aware, and to be mindful of the world around us is as important as reflections on the past and planning for the future. Do you come to Sunday evening and wonder where the weekend went? Are you so caught up in the struggles of everyday life, whether it be finding the right clothes to wear, getting the kids to all their activities, taking care of several obligations, that your day is over before you realize it, leaving you wishing for more hours in the day? Do you load your fork with the next bite before you've swallowed the last?


This autumn, I am going to work on being more mindful of each day and the special moments of each day. I am going to work on not rushing through each day and wishing for more time, but making time to enjoy and breathe and refresh myself. I am going to work on appreciating the present. It's really the only time we have, the time where we can make a difference or rest a minute or push ourselves forward. The past is left for reflection, the future is not here yet, but the present is right in front of our face and it's a gift. What are you going to do with it?

9 comments:

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

What an awesome post -

You made some very good points -

They come on a day accented by some examples of memories and pain and trying to get one to soothe the other for those affected -

Kelly said...

What a lovely and thought-provoking post, dw. Just this morning I got caught up in an incredibly beautiful sunrise. I don't get caught up in enough sunrises.

Thanks for the encouraging post!

Two French Bulldogs said...

sounds like a plan
Benny & Lily

houndstooth said...

Wonderful words to ponder! I agree with you! As for what I'm doing in the future, going on vacation!

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Dear DW
I can feel your words coming from your heart. Your words ring so true,,, and meaningful, and make us think and yes ponder about how we can look back, but yet move on,, and to not waste a moment.
You are an awsome writer, and it reminds me why,, I found you over a year ago, because what you say, touches my heart.
love
tweedles

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Woof! We are familiar about living and honoring the present. "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift ... that is why it is called the present."
Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

Hank said...

This is a wonderful reminder, DW. I just recently heard someone say "don't let your past steal your present". Sounds like a great idea to me! :D

The present moment really IS the only thing we have.

Noodles said...

Dear DW,
HAHAHAHAHA! You are funny! Go 'Hawks!
HAHAHAHAHA!
Uh, Joe Thornton - Are you listening?
(secret, I like 'Hawks a teensy teensy bit but not when they are playing against my honey's team SH SHARKS!)
Love Noodles

RILEY AND STAR MY MALTESEKIDS said...

Hi DW, How are you??? And HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO YOU TOO!

Luv ya,

Riley and Star.