“What day is it?” asked Pooh
“It’s today,” squeaked Piglet
“My favorite day,” said Pooh.
– A. A. Milne
Where does the time go? I realize it’s been two weeks since my last update. The good news is I’m doing great. The bad news is, like everyone else, I have lost another two weeks of my life. So it kind of got me thinking, do people really make the most of their lives every single day? I could recite different quotes, bumper stickers and slogans (see above) about living every day as if it were your last. However, do people really listen?
Just as I’m sure others are guilty, I too am guilty of sometimes rushing through the day, eager to accomplish everything, whilst often accomplishing nothing… At least nothing of true substance. I will admit, since my accident, I have made somewhat of a conscious effort to truly appreciate each day and the gifts in my life. But I have realized the hard way that there is no such thing as “over appreciation.” It’s a lesson I wish I did not have to learn the way I did, but the bigger tragedy would be to forget to remember it.
At the risk of sounding too preachy and somewhat hypocritical, why not try to make it a point to truly appreciate every single day in your life for what it is, a gift from God that comes with no guarantee you’ll receive another one. At least try to focus on the concept for a few minutes a day. Maybe while making coffee, picking out the shirt you’ll choose to wear or brushing your teeth – a few deep breaths, a smile of gratitude and a true appreciation for the day you have been given can only help you as you prepare to rush through yet another one. And if you’re really brave, repeat this exercise numerous times throughout the day.
As regards to me, I have been keeping myself busy over the past few weeks. I enjoyed a wonderful day speaking to several students, parents and friends in Toledo a week and half ago. It was especially nice, albeit bittersweet of course, to catch up with some old friends. I’ve also been continuing to work out hard at Buckeye Wellness Center, trying several new exercises specifically aimed at increasing bone density. Each session has left me feeling sore, rewarded and eager for more. Not to mention, there has been plenty of sunshine to help refuel the soul. I’ve been enjoying as much of it as I can, as well as Melanie!
I wanted to share 2 recent interviews I did, one of which was with a Uruguayan magazine:
Article below just ran in “Dividend”, University of Michigan’s business school magazine:
Dividend Magazine
This one is with a Uruguayan periodical (translation is a little rough, but you’ll get the gist):
Vivir Triunfando
Saturday will be the 138th running of the Preakness Stakes. My Trifecta SWAP (Scott’s Wild-@ss Pick) is:
Orb
Itsmyluckyday
Oxbow
Finally, please keep my grandmother in your prayers, as she may be in her final days. Another reminder to be thankful for each and every day that greets you.
Stand Strong!
Scott
Scott, great photo of you and Melanie enjoying the sunshine.
As always, your posts are so inspiring and encouraging. God bless you and I will keep your grandmother in my prayers.
hello scott!! good to hear from you.. your looking good, got to be the hard labor therapy and sunshine.. i’m right with ya, i just didn’t realize what i had in life till things changed so dramatically for me.. i now really do appreciate every day and have truly developed some real skills i never had or even gave thought to, although it took some precious time.. i have also learned to be for instance, much more patient, not being as judgemental, looking at the positive things in people instead thinking about the bad junk in them, trying to help instead of doing nothing and so so much more.. scott your a good man, in all you do you do it best.. the world needs people like you and myself scott or God wouldn’t have given this to us.. it was a huge burden for me, i was so pissed off but something kept telling me inside to not give in because their was more.. my feelings were correct.. now i see the blessing in the work i do and you do also see the blessing for yourself.. though we didn’t plan on are current life style, you and i have come a long way baby, continuing to push forward, remembering the great things in the past and looking forward for the new rewards we recieve daily.. my daughter likes the pic with you and melanie, she said you and melanie are cute.. God Bless
Thanks for the reminder. You look great and I’m so glad you are doing so well with your therapy. Keep on sharing with us. God bless
I see Melanie is busy at work! It was so nice to finally meet you in person. Great post, as always!
Kim
Scott, thank you for your insiteful and encouraging words. You are a blessing to the sci community, and all who read your blogs. When I’m feeling down about my situation, your words do lift me up. I do have much to be grateful for. My accident was Dec. 2011, so I find reading your blogs uplifting. Melanie is sweet! I remember the monkey on the “little Rascals” with such facial expressions. I hope she makes you laugh as well as helping. My prayers for your Grandmother. God bless
I love receiving your emails, and this post was exactly what I needed. A reminder to appreciate what we have, even in the moments where we are frustrated, tired, sad, sick or anxious. Thank you for your words.
I love this post! When is our next get together? Mikey wants to play with the vintage train again 😉
Great post, as always, Scott! And timing is perfect as I actually just read an article yesterday about ‘Living in the Moment’ (http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200810/the-art-now-six-steps-living-in-the-moment). I think we all need to work on our ability to slow down and enjoy the present. 🙂
Dear Scott , super post and you have helped me learn and practice this lesson in my life! Life is unpredictable and better to be lived in the moment, absorbing and appreciating everything that moment brings us. As always, thanks for you awesome inspiration and my prayers are with you. Extra prayers for your Grandmother. Enjoy the Cleveland sunshine 🙂
Scott
I had every intention of getting by to see you at St. Joe’s Sylvania! I had it on my calendar for months and a client came in from out of town that I had to be with. I’m sorry as I really hoped to hear you speak. Read every post and hope to see you in person my friend.
Hope all is well!
Sometimes all you need is a little reminder! Thanks for posting… and for sharing the magazine articles!
Hi Scott! I have been meaning to post a note to let you know how much I truly enjoyed hearing you speak in Toledo. I was invited by my brother Isaac, and I am so glad I went. I will be in touch as I would love to have you speak for my employer Mercy Health Partners back in Toledo. Thanks again for the inspiring words.
Rebecca Eli
Prayers for your grandmother. You are truly an inspiration Scott.
Prayers are with you and thank you for the contagious energy and the boost. I try to be positive and I think sometimes my insecurities are what make me spend too long on one stupid thing or another versus just aweeee….breathing and enjoying each breath or giggle from my children. THANK YOU.
thinking of you!
Theresa
Love it!! Great post! Miss you all. I will keep your family and grandmother in my prayers.
Thanks for having us over on Cinco de Mayo or, Slayerbite Sunday! Good fire to help bring in the nicer weather that day.
Dude. You’re awesome. Thanks for your encouraging words. Stand Strong!