If only . . .

How many times have you uttered the phrase, “if only . . .” When I was working, I would say, “if only I had more time so that I could exercise more and eat healthier.” Now that I’m caring for my Mom and doing volunteer work, I say, “if only I had more work to do so that I didn’t feel my mind was going to waste.” If only this, if only that, my life would be better.

Would it really? I recently celebrated a birthday and it’s around this time that I like to reflect back on the past year and look ahead to the next one. I learned a valuable lesson this time. The two people that I love most in the world, my Mom and my husband, gave me some wonderful cards. Reading them made me stop and think and realize how truly blessed I am.

My Mom’s card:

“On your birthday, I’m not going to offer you any wisdom about life. You’re doing just fine.
And I won’t remind you to be happy, because you already have a gift for finding happiness and sharing it.

All I want is to give you a few simple words to carry in your heart –
I love you, believe in you, and I just can’t imagine anyone ever having a daughter more wonderful than you.”

My dear husband’s card,

“You will always be the love of my life.”

I cried when I read both cards. How often do we all get wrapped up in the mundane details and annoyances of life and we forget what is truly important? Love and gratitude are what’s important. They are in the here and now.

Love and gratitude are my themes for this next year of my life.

What “if only. . .” can you leave behind and start truly living?  Have you told your loved ones that you loved them lately?  Have you thanked someone for being there for you?

Photo is courtesy of Aussie Gall’s Flickr Photostream, under Creative Commons Licensing.