Listening to Paul Simon’s song “Slip Sliding Away” deeply resonates with an awareness of all that is passing by too quickly in my life. It has been especially poignant this past week as I visited my mom to celebrate her 93rd birthday. Each moment was precious as I spent time talking with her about her growing up years (and mine), trying to capture her stories with my phone’s video camera and by writing them down. My mom has always taught me how important it is to be happy in the present moment and to not dwell on the past nor what may or may not be. She reminded me of a popular song she used to sing when I was a child: “Que Será, Será, what will be will be, the future’s not ours to see…” I was grateful for this opportunity to let her know how much she is always loved and appreciated, still, it deeply saddened me when it was time to leave, not knowing when and if we would be together again.
Time is passing whether we’re paying attention or not. Lately, I’ve been poignantly aware as I look at my overflowing bookshelves, that I’ll likely not have the time to read all of these well-chosen books. Sometimes, I’m totally surprised when it’s time to flip the calendar to a new week or month, especially when I didn’t do nearly the things that I had planned on, nor see the people I wanted to be with. Sunsets remind me that this day is done and I can never get it back. I’ve stopped saying nonchalantly, “Oh, I’ll do it tomorrow,” while I wonder, “Where did the time go?” or “Will there even be a tomorrow?”
I’m not sure if it’s this ‘covid consciousness’ that we’re all experiencing, or my previous dealing with a cancer diagnosis, or simply just aging that has made me aware how short life can be and how important it is to make every moment count by living it fully. Recently, I was deeply touched by a young woman on America’s Got Talent with stage 4 cancer, a poet/singer named Nightbirde. I hope that I never forget her message: “You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy.”
This present moment awareness can fill us with a greater appreciation of the joy in the small things and the everyday happenings. What we can choose is to make the most of the precious time we do have, to take those walks in nature, listen to the birds, enjoy beautiful sunsets, follow our passions, share and connect with those we love. In each day, we can be the best of who we are with compassion and kindness.
Let’s not watch our lives “slip, sliding away” until it’s too late. How can we live as consciously, creatively, gratefully, and lovingly as possible? Let’s remember: Every moment is a gift.
Blessings to you and your loved ones,
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GIFT of MUSIC: Francesco Tarantino, my partner, who wrote and recorded his CD, Love and Madness, shares his relevant song, “Nasty Weather” which addresses the causes and consequences of climate change. LISTEN HERE.
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