Simple Pleasures

Life is short. The older you get, the more uncomfortable you get acknowledging this brutal reality. Time is running out. This very minute, around seventy heart beats, scores of respirations, millions of thoughts, the smells of home, the light over your shoulder, the music you're listening to, the hug you gave your kid goodnight, they're gone. They are just a memory. And that can go, too.

If you have a really bad day, permanently bad day kind of day tomorrow, the way you spent tonight will really matter to your family, to your friends, to God and, to you.

Now, you might think I'll say, stop fooling around playing internet poker, you juvenile loser! But I'm not going to say that, although taking a break probably wouldn't kill ya.

No, my advice today, dear readers, is to enjoy the simple pleasures. Too often, we are doing so many "important" things, we ignore really important things: like gazing at a picture of Orlando Bloom dressed as the Elf Legolas Greeenleaf, Prince of the Woodland Realm.

Let's all take a moment and enjoy Orlando. Mmmmmmm, Legolas. Some simple pleasures are simply delightful.

People who have experienced near-death adventures, had a child die, been diagnosed with some grave disease often do the strangest things, simple things, fun things, and they do them without regret or shame. Why? Because they have nothing to lose, that's why. They've lost everything, in a sense, so the things that become important rarely are what was important yesterday. They are simple. Simple pleasures.

Laughing is a simple pleasure. Gazing at a beautiful piece of artwork is a simple pleasure. Sitting in the sun is a simple pleasure. Taking a leisurely walk is a simple pleasure. Soaking in a bath is a simple pleasure. Eating a perfect truffle is a simple pleasure. Watching airplanes take off and land is a simple pleasure. Holding hands in silence gazing at the stars is a simple pleasure. Revisiting a well-worn city path with friends is a simple pleasure.

A simple pleasure is a a moment wholly devoted, completely consumed with the thing at hand.
Fear, anger, blame, bitterness, anxiety don't touch these moments. They are light and full and satisfying in a soul-filling way. They are the moments you remember on your deathbed and wish you made more of while you still had the chance.

Simple pleasures are not magical although they seem so in retrospect. Simple pleasures are created when, in full awareness, you decide to abandon your inhibitions, your self judgement, your competitive desires and give yourself to the moment.

Today make sure you enjoy at least one simple pleasure.

Life is short.