We often forget that everything happens in a cycle. Everything is born, rises and falls. The cycle of life is repeated in everything over and over again. But sometimes the cycle is so long that we come to believe that it really won’t end this time. Things are brand new, fresh, lively. Over time they lose their freshness, get used up, end up old and are replaced. Nothing escapes the cycle- not humans, animals, plants or objects we have created. The world itself breaks down and rebuilds itself in continual motion. Economy is built and based on the breakdown of goods; without the creation and development of new things the economy would eventually collapse. The cycle endlessly repeats itself over and over again.
If we remind ourselves that what we have or what we are doing is time limited and short term, maybe we could finally appreciate what we have when we have it. That new item you just purchased which will soon be something old, the new baby who rapidly ages into an old man or woman; the new job, the new car, —absolutely everything will disintegrate before you. That person you despise or can’t stand, the one you love more than anything- both are fated for the same destiny as are you. How would the value your life increase, knowing that it might be gone in a short time. What would you do differently? How would you treat others if you realized that their cycle was on the wane?
The answer is gratitude. We must have gratitude for what is right now. Look around you. What do you have in your life right this moment that you aren’t appreciating enough? There will come a time when you do not have this. Knowing that it will all be gone in but a short minute we can make a commitment and set an intention to enjoy what we have and to truly appreciate all that is for the short time we have it. What or who in your life could you invest with a little more appreciation? Include yourself. You are who you are only for this short day- tomorrow you will be someone new. Appreciate yourself for what you have done and who you have become and if there are some parts that you just cannot love- let them go and love the rest.