Are you missing out on this?

Yesterday I was smitten…by a 92-year-old man.

I was waiting at the doctor’s office for my appointment when an older gentleman came in with his wife. She told him to have a seat and gently led him in my direction—he was a bit stumbly and unsure of his footing. He sat down right beside me while she went to the counter to check in.

I was looking at my phone, trying to respond to emails and get work done as I often do when I wait, when I heard a voice say, “Do you play poker?” It quickly became apparent that my phone, and all those emails that seemed so important, were about to be trumped by a speckled-faced, grey-haired, thick glasses wearing man. The surprising part (and the best part) is that I didn’t mind. I welcomed his question and conversation with an open heart.

Our exchange consisted of, “Nope. I sure don’t play poker.” He said, “You must not be a gambler then!” To which I said, “I am not.” Then we talked about money, his wife, and where he lives. I could tell he didn’t have full mental capacity, and I didn’t mind. Who he was, was perfect.

His wife came over and immediately apologized—to which I said there was no need. She shared that he was diagnosed with Alzheimers, and that she was his full time caretaker—at 90 years-old herself! She couldn’t stop sharing how sweet he was and how after 73 years of marriage she was still madly in love with him. Be still my heart.

They were called next, and as I watched them walk away, I had tears in my eyes. I was so grateful I so willingly put down my phone in order to receive this beautiful gift Life had to offer.

Life is always trying to offer us gifts. The question is, are you missing out of them because your focus and attention is someplace else?

One way you can support yourself in opening your heart to these magical moments (and have more cake) is to put a reminder in your phone. Have a pop up that asks: Are you present to your surroundings right now? Have you smiled at another human today? Would it be a good idea to pause and take two nice, slow deep breaths?

Your phone can actually be your partner in helping you be more present. It can assist you in receiving the beauty and goodness that is around you right now.

Life is waiting for you to love it. May this be your nudge today.

With Fierce Loving,
Amber