On Valentines Day everyone focuses on relationships and love.  Cards, gifts, and sentiments are shared.  From small, to great efforts  are made to connect to those we love and to show those around us that we care. But so often, as soon as it is over we find ourselves getting up the next day and just going on with our lives as if saying, "Well, that is done", as if it is just another day. 

I'd like to propose that we approach each day as Valentines Day.  Why?  Over the past year, I have noticed myself becoming more and more disconnected.  Disconnected from my wife, disconnected from my kids, and disconnected from myself.  I guess I have stopped paying attention.  And as I listen to others, I don't think I am the only one.  The economy has us all concerned.   So, we work harder with most of us knowing someone who has lost a job, is struggling in their job, or is experiencing tension, anxiety, or depression because of it.  We work harder to make up for the losses we have taken, or try to create more work for ourselves, trying to reassure ourselves and our families, not knowing if we are really secure in our jobs and trying to create more stability in the lives we have.

After my Mom died in January I've found myself disconnected from many of the people I love.  Maybe it's out of fear of eventually losing them, or knowing I am getting older, or just because I don't know how to deal with it.   At times I've even disconnected from myself, not wanting to feel all that life has to offer, because at times it just seems like it's too much to handle. 

And then, I remember that life is an experience.  Each thing that happens provides you an option of how you want to experience it.  If you disconnect, you miss that moment in life, however you see it.  After having two events in my life in which I did not know if I was going to live or not, I've learned that I don't want to miss even one moment.  I want, and need to connect with myself, my family, my friends, and my life.  Good things pass, but so does the pain we endure.  The secret is to connect, and stay connected to whatever is happening, and whoever is in your life; staying present in the moments you have.  They are your life.    

Each breath you take is a new breath; one that you have never taken in the way you are taking it right now.  It really is the breath of life that we so often take for granted.  See those around you and know that each moment with them is a gift, and an opportunity to connect with them.  Connecting allows us to be more fully human, and share in the life they walk.  So, for today, just for today, try joining me in connecting.  It's your life; don't miss a minute of it!

Be well!

John