The Sunday
that began this week was just right in an unusual way. Blue skies and white
clouds beautifully decorated the heavens. The sun shone on everything in such a
way that made the entire outside seem not just bright, but cheery. The weather
was comfortably mild. Birds chirped in the morning air. As I stepped outside I could
not help but think, “How sweet. How absolutely, wonderfully, perfect.” The plan was to visit my Aunt for the day and
go home to enjoy the rest of the extended holiday weekend in relaxation. Then I got the call. My Aunt passed in her
sleep that morning. Around the time when I was outside feeling tranquil, serene
and at one with the Universe, my Aunt was passing on from this life. We had
been very close during her lifetime. In fact, she was the maternal Aunt I was closest
to. When I got the news I was
grief-stricken. Tears and sadness poured out of me. Today I have finally had a
moment, literally, just a single moment -the week has been very busy planning
her memorial service- to reflect on her life. My Aunt was a sterling example of
resilience and forgiveness. She lived a full life but there were many
disappointments, heartaches and losses. Yet she closed her eyes at peace and
without bitterness toward anyone. Her life was directly impacted by domestic
violence and other tragedies. However, she always counted her blessings. Today I
share with you a very important lesson my Aunt bestowed on me –among many
others. No matter what has happened to us, one of the biggest favors we can do
for ourselves is have a positive perspective. Depending on how we choose to look at life, the glass can
be either half-empty or half-full. The way
we see things plays a large part in our happiness. It’s not what we have, but
how we feel about what we have. Some
people are miserable with “everything” and others are joyful with “nothing”.
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