Glimmers

There are so many instances where we get caught in the daily routine.  The existence between laundry, lawn mowing, and litter pick-up.  The endless periods of floor mopping, dishwashing, car repair requirements, and more.  However, there are often points during those routine responsibilities that we miss.  Not intentionally, but the sheer load of what needs to be done cause of to lose sight of what we need to pay attention to.  Here is my story of “The Glimmer”. 

For no reason beyond what I believed to be personal convenience I chose to schedule a 7AM oil change on my car on what should be a holiday weekend.  The drudgery I felt as the reminder alarm went off at 6am right as I was cozy into another perfect spot under the freshly laundered comforter.  Tossing the covers to the side with over extracted effort, I rolled out of bed, checked my positioning (as some of us over the half century point will do), and proceeded to the bathroom for the hurried bun, teeth brushing and quick toss of water on my face trying to make sure I remembered the quick slather of deodorant.  Off I go. 

This seems likely the normal for many of us on a free weekend.  We are always shuffling to get things done.  Although I have shuffled through the process of a hurried existence, and scowling eyes of others.  I tend not to rush.  If I’m late, it’s ok.  If I’m early, it’s ok.  As long as I arrive! 

Arrive is exactly what I did!  At the 7:01am mark, I walk up to the service door intended for customers and attempt to walk into a what I assumed was a still locked automatic door.  I reached out to the service manager, who quickly arrived, and the automatic door opened instantly.  Me not realizing I had walked up to the wrong side of the door.  Obviously, not only was I not rushed, but I was apparently sleepwalking.

There is a point to this dialogue.  I checked in, went through the list of up sale options with the service manager, handed over my keys and went back to say “good morning” to the greeter, I had met on the previous day before. 

Judy sat there in her wheelchair in the most pleasant form, with the greatest smile and full of bursting at the seams energy.  We exchanged pleasantries.  However, I felt a need to just “pause”.    I am so elated at the fact, that I leaned into my being and did just that.  Judy told me about the difficulties her and her husband were experiencing.  At 72, and long flowing gray strands with a hint of what once was the original bold dark color, shiny silver rimmed glasses and a bright wide smile, Judy showed no signs of heaviness on her spirit. 

The conversation continued with her and her husband’s story of a 46-year journey, him being a recent amputee, his heart condition, their five children and the most recent addition of their newest grandson.   Despite the despair that many of us may have caught from this conversation it filled my spirit with such energy and even more gratitude.

The energy and gratitude did not arrive from a negative place for Judy, but a place that inspires.  Although Judy’s story had both tragic and jo, she managed to keep a joyous outlook on everything around her.  Even when there were difficulties in their journey, she spoke of those past occurrences as moments of courage. 

Not every story is glossy and perfect as many of us set out to believe and achieve.  Not many of us get to travel and experience life through a lens without cracks and smudges.  Most of us, the larger percentage of us, walk through true purgatory to achieve peace.  Judy was a pure example of peace.  Peace in knowing that her efforts, good or bad are examples of her strength. 

I applaud Judy and her family.  The spirit of peaceful positivity continues forward and moves through generations.  Peace is the goal.  I celebrate Judy as my “Glimmer” for the day.  Thank you!

“Happiness is the real rich.  Health is the real wealth. 

Kindness is the real cool.  Peace of mind is the real bag.”

  -Jay Shetty-

Find YOUr Glimmer