Sparkle

What puts a sparkle in your eye? What are the most valuable gems in your mental jewelry box? Life is full of so many priceless and multi-faceted treasures. Have you ever stopped to make a list of things you hold dear? I did, just for kicks and grins. I included a lot of little, somewhat obscure observations that touch my heart. It was an incredibly pleasant exercise for the old 'positive' muscles. Here's a sampling of the jewels I prize:

1) Seeing a rainbow. 2) Holding your newborn baby for the first time. 3) A purring cat, curled in your lap. 4) The delighted belly laugh of a child. 5) The smell of fresh-mown grass. 6) The profound silence of a deep cave. 7) The crackle of a campfire on a chilly, dark night. 8) The split-second flash of a meteor in the night sky. 9) Live voices joined in harmonious song. 10) Surveying my collection of colorful art supplies. 11) When someone you love tells you they love you. 12) A hug of true forgiveness.

I could go on and on. My point is, take a few minutes today to reflect on those small but precious moments that give your life real meaning. This type of reflection is enriching. It swells your heart with appreciation that can then be translated to other aspects of your daily life. To live life with an attitude of gratitude is truly fulfilling. After all, life is a gift. How do you treat the gifts you receive? Do you carelessly rip open the packaging or gently and slowly remove the tape and save the gift wrap? Do you save the box, recycle or throw it away? How about the contents of the box, the actual gift? Do we use it, store it and forget about it, re-gift it, or throw it away?

Some gifts or treasures we value more than others. What we value is really quite a personal choice. I am on this ramble due to a discussion with my kid today about what we should value in life. What we value is a true reflection of who we are or who we may become. Definitely something to think about and, when necessary, to re-assess. Why not make your own list of "jewels"? You may surprise yourself with what you come up with.

"Try not to become a man of success. Rather, become a man of value."- Albert Einstein

"When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier."- Roy Disney

"A jewel should be judged by the light in a lady's eyes."- Anonymous