What do you notice? This is an interesting question. On any given day at any given moment, change is occurring. Did you know that you will never experience the same exact moment or second for that matter, ever again? Yes, this is true! Time is ever constant, and it never stands still; therefor, change is inevitable. If you take the time to be still and notice what's happening around you, you'll know this.

How we experience anything in life is all about how we perceive it. We are in choice at all times. Have you ever met someone that always seems to be happy? If you ask them why they are that way, they most likely will tell you that it's because they choose to be. Life doesn't always give us what we desire and sometimes it can be downright awful; however, even in the worst of times we can choose to be happy. Some may say that this is impossible or even go as far to say that it just isn't appropriate. Let's take death as an example. I know that this can be a very delicate subject but just bear with me.  Let's say that you lost someone very close and dear to you. Yes, this is a very difficult thing to deal with and it is okay to be sad and maybe even angry at the time. Grieving in all its forms is healthy and necessary. The question is how long? Only you can answer that question. If you choose to remember them with joy and happiness, you may find that it eases or shortens the grieving process. This will better honor their memory as well. If you choose to smile instead of frown the grieving will eventually turn to joy, and you may begin to notice subtle changes in yourself when you think of them. Celebrate them and the joy that they brought you and observe the change in yourself. This applies to everything we experience in life. Choose happiness and you will always win.

I had the opportunity to go home to Pensacola, FL this past weekend to visit with my family. My sister flew in from Italy with her family and my brother who lives in the area were there along with my mother. It was the first time in five years that we were all together at the same time. It was a special time, albeit a short visit, at least for me. My mother is 80 years old, and her memory isn't the best these days and she has her share of issues in relation to her health and age; however, what I noticed is that she lives more in the moment than ever before. She didn't complain or focus on any of those things. I asked her if she was happy? She told me that she had never been happier and then said, "I have my three children here with me and that's all that matters". I began to observe how she acted around us. She was caring, attentive and loving, it was joyful. In that moment she was our mother, and we were her children. It was as if nothing had changed since childhood. What a beautiful thing to witness and observe.

Just my observation.

Blessings.