Spiritual Growth: More Fully Present

After writing last week about how to live on 24 hours a day, I learned that the 43-year-old sister of one of my former clients had died unexpectedly.

What a poignant, bittersweet, neon-sign reminder to live each moment fully.  I had never met her sister, but my client talked of her often.  She had two sisters, I have three.  We often shared about our activities and trips with our sisters.

Ann Strong and sisters, Jenny, Cathy, Julie. Spiritual growth: capturing more beautiful present moments . . .

Me and my sisters on one of our annual Sister’s Ski Weekends – maybe 8 or 10 years ago. (Left to right: Jenny, Cathy, Julie, Ann.) 2010 was our 19th year. I had gotten out of the habit of taking pictures. My spiritual growth: I am now rededicating myself to capturing more beautiful present moments . . .

I can only imagine the depth of her grief.  My heart goes our to her. And, I immediately called my own sisters to touch base and tell them how much I love them.

In the days since then, I have been so aware of the importance of our relationships.  Our love for, caring about and connection to others defines the quality of our lives.

I have rededicated myself to my spiritual growth of being more fully present with the precious gift of whomever is right in front of me – one of my sisters, a client, my sweetheart, a friend, my barista, a stranger on the street corner, a new acquaintance at a meeting . . .

I have also rededicated myself to reaching out more. Loving more.  Letting go of anger in a moment, rather than days later.  Choosing to replace judgment with compassion.  

Here’s to living each moment more fully present to the love that I am and taking the time to recognize the love in those around me . . .

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