What If… by Jeanette M. Pintar

What if every day we awoke, we truly felt gratitude for being alive and gave thanks for the gift of this one precious day?

What if upon awaking and giving thanks, we thought of all the people who’ve brought love and their special uniqueness into our lives?

What if we then began to think of all the blessings we take for granted such as a bed to sleep in, a safe home, people who love us, good health - including the ability to breathe (either assisted or unassisted), a supportive and loving God and universe, our special gifts and abilities, food to help our bodies thrive, ample transportation, (whether in the form of a car, public transportation, our own two feet or even a wheel chair) and a feeling of almost certainty that we will make it through this day and live to see the next?

What if we then realized how fortunate we are to live someplace where we can take these things and more for granted because we are not continuously fearing and fighting for our very survival?

What if this realization increased our gratitude and reverence for the gift of this day and prompted us to gladly begin our routine preparations feeling lucky we have work and chores to do, grateful for the boredom of routine which comes from taking our safe-being for granted?

What if we decided to eagerly approach exercising our body and mind with simple stretches that washed away all toxins (those things which create pain and dis-ease, whether physical or emotional) and replaced them with the healthy building blocks we need to grow as individuals?

What if we invited and allowed the love of a Higher Power to course through us until it overflowed our hearts, affecting everyone we encounter and everything we do in a Divinely positive way?

What if we allowed this love to guide our thoughts, actions, and words enough to truly appreciate ourselves as well as every individual on this planet, creating an atmosphere of love, nurturing, caring, encouragement and support?

What if we really understood how precious and unique every individual on this planet is and recognized our true identity as sacred and spiritual beings with divine purpose?

What if we allowed ourselves to trust our intuition about our divine purpose and followed our heart's desires to utilize our own special gifts and talents in a way that could benefit ourselves and our world?

What if we recognized that even the smallest act of kindness was divinely inspired and meant to touch the soul of another while simultaneously nurturing ourselves?

What if we went through this day appreciating each moment, aware we are part of something much larger than ourselves, letting go of any negative or restricting thoughts or behaviors, and embracing the positive, empowering thoughts and actions meant to take us to a higher level of living?

What if we shared our successes in this way of life with those around us and helped them recognize (and perhaps achieve) the tools, mindset, and open-heartedness which could lift them up with us?

What if we realized our world is truly an incredible place and how fortunate we have been to make it through yet another 24 hours of learning, growth, and blessings?

What if this were not only possible, but probable, with just a simple intention, desire, and willingness to do so?

What if…

"Be joyful walways; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5)

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), July 05, 2002

Answers

-- (_@_._), July 05, 2002.

Nice addition MaryLu as always. My two greatest concerns upon awakening are: have I still my mind as I had made a mental bet at the racetrack and lost. Secondly as I grow older and feel the more I learn the less I know. By 100 years of age I may not know anything at all!!

-- Jean Bouchard (jeanb@cwk.imag.net), July 05, 2002.

Sometimes, Jean, it is a blessing not to remember!! We can enjoy life more without the burden of some memories we carry around! :)

At 100 years old, other people can do the thinking for us! :)

MaryLu

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), July 05, 2002.