Each breathe is a renewal of our spirit and soul in the cycle of life. Like the seasons, we have times when we rest in our winters, bloom in our springs and shine in our summers. Today your world may be closing around you leaving you feeling sad or in despair. A dark cloud of hopelessness may seem so heavy that you cannot imagine the sun ever shining in your life again. Why is it so hard, this life we live and how can we ever manage feeling a spark of hope again. The truth is that we can find joy in any season if only for a moment.

In early Spring I was hiking in a partially muddied raven at an altitude of 8000 ft.  A fresh spring from melting snow was trickling at my feet. Hurrying to finish my hike, I spotted the fresh green leaves sprouting around me when I saw a delicate blossom on extended stems. In awe I saw a gentle blue flower– Forget Me Not; Myosotis—peeking through the snow on a rugged rock. I stopped and a feeling of pure exhilaration filled my soul. Then feelings of gratitude that I was witnessing such beauty brought a smile to not only my face but my heart. I was at peace as I lingered in this present moment.

Opportunities to feel true happiness are all around us. If we stop we can see it in snowflake, or hear it in a babies giggle, and smell it in the fragrance of cookies baking in the oven.  It takes just one moment to stop from our hectic day to find the peace that is ours.

Today is a day that you have the opportunity to pause from your worries, anxieties and busy schedule to find a moment that you can choose to be fully present.  As you choose to take a moment to  notice the wonderful blessings in your world , you will soon have a basket full of joyful memories that will bring a smile to your  heart.