Falling In Love With Life Again

As I’m writing this today, on the twelve anniversary of when I suffered a stroke, I knew the topic would be about giving thanks. Living with an attitude of gratitude is a way of life. We’ve all been given the same number of hours in the day, it’s up to us how we spend our days. It truly is a game-changer that makes all the difference.
As soon as I wake up, I recite Moda ani, the Hebrew blessing of gratitude that starts my day with the right intention. I continue with the morning blessings, feeling grateful that I can stand firmly on my feet, walk, talk, see, paint, and write- all activities that we tend to take for granted. Since I consider each morning a gift, I want to live it to the max. I feel spiritually high, deeply grateful, and privileged to celebrate yet another day. I see that I grow spiritually by using all the tools available to inspire me. I pray, meditate, and breathe deeply (in Hebrew, Neshama- soul is same word as neshima- breath). Abraham Hirschl said, “Just to be is a blessing. Just to live is holy.” Such attitude is a direct connection to more joy; the more you do it, the more you feel it.
When I say daily affirmations, I believe in what I say, and will it into reality. With the proper attention to what’s important in life, I feel fulfilled. I know that I already have everything I need.
Today is the first day of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, the feast of tabernacles. My ancestors celebrated this ancient version of Thanksgiving, enjoying their bounty while sitting in huts decorated with fruit and vegetables as they have for thousands of years. We show gratitude for our endless blessings and just the right amount of rain that keeps our farms fertile and plentiful.
Every day is an invitation to unwrap new gifts and make life a wonderful experience. I hope you make the time to disconnect from all the distractions around you to tap into the magic that’s called life. There’s so much to be grateful for if we take a moment to notice. The smallest miracles, from the tiny flower blooming in my yard to the newborn babies to the amazing sunrises and stunning sunsets is worth noticing. Miracles happen every second. But you have to believe in them; otherwise, you’ll never find them. With such attitude, we get energized and even feel healthier. The good vibrations eradicate negative, stressful, and worrisome thoughts of resentfulness and bitterness. When that becomes a wonderful part of your daily life, you can’t help but connect to your soul, your higher self. You connect to similarly happy people. It’s that contagious. The time is now to appreciate what we have and not wait until it’s gone to reflect how great you had it. I’m grateful that my stroke didn’t leave me in bad shape and that I’m still able to do all the things I love. I express thanks to the Almighty, my creator since I transformed the way I view people and events. Now I focus on what’s right in my life.
Why is Thanksgiving a day we celebrate only once a year? It should be celebrated every day. As you sit to celebrate Thanksgiving with your loved ones, take a deep breath, be thankful for them, for all the other gifts in your life, and of course, for the food. In fact, why not start feeling the joy of gratitude today and do it every day. You’ll fall in love with your life again, too.
Naomi Young is a Jewish studies and a Bar/ Bat mitzvah teacher in Santa Clarita for 40 years. She is also a published writer and an artist. Contact her at naomiyoung7@yahoo.com Visit her art website at www.naomiyoung.com