Life is Short

The day started out like any other. 

Sunny in California. Starbucks morning with Ryan. And Church. It's hot here today - 100+ degrees. So we came home, grabbed food and headed to the gym. We went to the gym we usually don't go to because it's too big (and quite honestly I despise the "bells and whistles" gyms). Today we did, though, because they have a huge pool there. We figured a hard, hot workout followed by relaxing and dipping in the pool.

We were at the pool for 45 minutes when the commotion began. I was sitting on the pool steps reading my magazine. Ryan was laying out across from me. I saw a couple pointing in the water in the lane across from me. They were confused I think. I was confused by what they were pointing at until I looked in the bottom of the pool and saw a huge dark spot (which was a man). At that point they starting whistling & screaming at the lifeguards. The lifeguards came over, one jumped in immediately, dove to the bottom of the pool, picked the man up and they got him up on the side. At that point, 911 was called. They started CPR. He was not responding at all. The ambulance got there fast and got him on a stretcher, but during the whole 5-7 minutes nothing was happening. He was lifeless. I saw his hand just dangling in the pool. My heart ached. I'm sure he did not make it.

We left the pool and the gym.

All I could and can think about now is how short life is. I asked Ryan on the way home, "I wonder if he was happy today? I wonder what he had for breakfast? I wonder if he was mad at anyone? I wonder what he was thinking before he got in the pool?" 

Life is so short.

We go through life, not knowing when the last day is going to be for us. And I wonder about that. How do I live my life each and every single day? Do I hold grudges? More importantly, do I tell those that mean the world to me that they do mean the world to me? Do I give whatever I can? Do I stop thinking about myself enough to think about someone else? Do I enjoy life without being caught up in too many unnecessary people/distractions? Do I smile enough? Wow....I could go on and on and on.

Today marks 7 days, my one-week mark, of GAPS. I feel good. I feel happy. But I don't really feel like talking about that today. I'm skipping the blog post about my food, workout and anything else related to that.

I'll be back tomorrow - I promise. For today, just a few pictures from the weekend that make me smile. And all this to remember....

LIFE IS SHORT.

Thankful

(Taking one day off from discussing the GAPS Diet to reflect on Thanksgiving.)

Truly, I am THANKFUL. 

There are so many things day-in and day-out that go wrong, in our own lives and in the world in general. But as a whole, I believe we have so much to be thankful for. I'd like to share my Top 7 (in no particular order):

1. Ryan, Reagan and Fiona - our family. I love knowing that they are the first people/things I see when I wake up and the last before I fall asleep. I love my husband's heart, the unconditional love and the smiles he creates around our house. I can't imagine life without any of them. I am so thankful for them each and everyday.
2.  Family - back in Minnesota. I miss them everyday, sometimes too much. But I know that they are there - always there - and that even though we are so far apart, nothing changes because we love each other all the same. I could not have asked for a better Mother, Father and Brother. I was blessed to "inherit" unbelievable in laws. Family is the most important thing to me - always will be. I am so thankful for them each and everyday.
3.  Friends - near and far. There is nothing like good friends. Good friends become almost like family. I always have a guard up when it comes to good friends; they are rare to find. But when I do find them, the relationship is priceless to me. They are always the friends that would drop anything and everything in a heartbeat if needed. And even more importantly, they are always the friends that just "come easily." There is no work involved. They love, respect and understand. Most of my best friends don't even live in a 100-mile radius (and another one soon to be leaving:(), but while it kills me the friendship is all the same!  I am so thankful for them each and everyday.
4. Health - not something I may have said last year at this time. You don't know how great it is until you don't have it anymore. I have finally figured out how to stay healthy. And when I stray from that (like I have so often lately) I really realize how thankful for good health I am. I am thankful that I know how to control "feeling well." And I am thankful that I have had some key support to get me from there to here in this past year. Having good health allows me to be active, which is one of my favorite things in the world. I am so thankful for health each and everyday. 
5. Success - through hard work. Success is measured in so many different ways. I am thankful for success through hard work. I am thankful in knowing that because I am driven and strive for the best in everything I do, success can always be looming around. I am so thankful for success each and everyday. 
   
6.  Life - simple. I am thankful for this life that God gave to me and continues to give to me and the ones I love the most every day. I am thankful for the beauty that surrounds me each and everyday. Sometimes I can't even believe that life is so great - that the world is so beautiful - that the possibilities are endless. Sure, I have bad days - we all do. But as a whole, life is great. We have to appreciate all the small things and not sweat all the little things. Tomorrow will always be another day - we can be thankful for that idea, as not everyone will have the chance for a "tomorrow." I am so thankful for life each and everyday. 

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!