Saying “Yes”

It’s funny where inspiration comes from, isn’t it?  Some weeks I know just what I’m going to write about and other weeks, I have no idea.  But still, something always bubbles up.  This was one of those weeks when I’ve been so distracted by my own stuff that I haven’t really looked around me and hence, I didn’t know what I’d write about.  But this morning, it hit me while watching the “Today Show.”

The gang was outside on Rockefeller Plaza talking to the gathered crowd.  One family was there visiting from somewhere.  I confess I missed that part because I was only half listening while also drinking my coffee and reading the newspaper.  Yes, I actually read the print edition of my local paper and the NY Times.  Anyway, I caught this family mentioning that a nun who teaches at the kids’ school recently passed away.  They shared that she always encouraged the kids to “say yes to the morning.”  This caught my attention.  And it made me think.  I’m a pretty optimistic person, but just this morning our Alexa alarm didn’t wake us up, resulting in a rushed, frustrating push to get ready for the day.  Coincidence?  Who knows!

Most days, even when the alarm wakes us on time, my husband and I go through the motions of getting ready, sharing our day’s appointments and talking briefly about what we can anticipate that evening.  A quick kiss goodbye, and off we go.  I often stay home in the morning and I confess, I sometimes feel lonely and empty when he leaves.  Not for the reason you might think.  The loneliness comes from the sense of urgency to just get up, get out and get on with it.  Without any acknowledgement that another day is starting, it almost feels like we’re falling out of sleep and into the day.

But what if we “say yes to the morning?”  In that moment, anything is possible.  By embracing the day with mindfulness and enthusiasm and the awareness that today is a gift, maybe the rush won’t leave me so empty.  Perhaps by saying “yes,” my day will begin with purpose and excitement.  I think it’s worth a try, how about you?