Life’s Precious Moments: Don’t Take Them for Granted

My Grandmother

During my teenage years, the influence of my grandmother was a treasure that shaped my life profoundly. She was a vibrant woman who lived her life with a captivating energy that radiated unconditional love. Her infectious zest for life and ability to simplify life’s questions left an indelible mark on my soul. Even at the age of 86, when she passed away, she remained perfectly happy and healthy, and from her, I learned not only to embrace life with enthusiasm but also the invaluable lesson of not taking precious things for granted.?

Volunteering and Reflection

Years later, I wanted to volunteer at an aged-care facility. This decision was twofold: a desire to give back to individuals like my grandmother and a personal quest to nourish my soul with memories of her. Interacting with the elderly, and witnessing their wisdom and stories, reinforced the same poignant lesson – never take life, family or love for granted.?

The Art of Appreciating Love

I believe that when we take love for granted, we fail to truly receive it. One of the beauties and the satisfactions in giving love is seeing the receiver wholeheartedly embrace it. This understanding underscores the importance of giving love freely and being a graceful, appreciative receiver.?

A personal anecdote illustrates this point vividly. One day, my daughter remarked, ‘Mommy, you tell me this every day!’ in response to my daily compliment, ‘Oh, you look gorgeous today.’ Unbeknownst to me, these words had become a daily ritual. Each time I uttered these phrases, they felt fresh, genuine, and heartfelt to me. I believe that spontaneity and sincerity in expressing love are crucial as they make the receiver feel truly cherished.?

The Essence of Meaningful Relationships

Sincere, meaningful relationships are the lifeblood of a person’s existence. They infuse our lives with joy, purpose and connection. Research supports this notion, highlighting that strong relationships contribute significantly to our overall well-being and happiness.?

Cherishing and Cultivating Love

One of the great lessons I learned from my grandmother and my volunteering experience underscores the vital importance of not taking love for granted. That is, by embracing love with gratitude and sincerity, we not only enrich our lives but also create a ripple effect of positivity and warmth in our hearts and the lives of others. Let’s be generous givers and appreciative receivers of love, for it is in this dynamic interplay that we find the true essence of a fulfilling life.?

Here are some ideas, for what we can do here and now:

• Tell significant people in our lives that we once dreamed of having them; in other words, they are a dream that came true.
• When we express love or give a compliment, mean what we say and say what we mean.
• Remember people who have influenced us in our lives and honour their memories.
• Lead by example.
• View love as a moving force and power, not just an emotion.
• When you feel love: Express it out loud, Give love back, And be thankful for it.
• Always remember that love and life are absolutely priceless!