Cherish all moments in life, and especially with those you love
We can t control what happens, but can choose our attitude ’
Maturity and particularly the golden
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years in the lives of humans are very
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often characterised by much contemplation about life and recalling experiences from the past.
We are clearly a function of those experiences and memories to a greater or lesser extent.
While we do not have total control over what happens in our lives, how we react to people and handle events will almost invariably determine how significant those experiences will be in our memories.
In a word, it s all about attitude.
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It is no surprise that much appears in literature about life regarding moments
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to cherish ”.
Concerning friendship, Amy Lee Mercree says: Forever friends are a
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treasure chest of understanding and compassion. Cherish them.”
A somewhat bigger picture view on
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life, incorporating the myriad experiences and encounters we have, is reflected on by Nyki Mack: Always take
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time to cherish every single moment you get, and always take a second to remind yourself how special that moment truly is and just how lucky you are to have it ... Remember that there is someone somewhere wishing it was their moment.”
The message in that view contains a sobering reminder that we should not take anything for granted, that we should appreciate all experiences, encounters and the memories that they make.
Of course, not all experiences are always ideal or pleasant.
However, unpleasant moments also have a role to play.
For most of us, life seems to groom us to be gregarious, to generally seek the company of others and to thrive on being active and involved as much as possible.
But is there not more to what could constitute a broader range of moments
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to cherish ”?
Eve Ensler proposes the merits of solitude on occasion: Cherish your
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solitude. Take trains by yourself to places you have never been. Sleep out alone under the stars.
Learn how to drive a stick shift. Go
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so far away that you stop being afraid of not coming back. Say no when you don t
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want to do something. Say yes if your instincts are strong, even if everyone around you disagrees.
Decide whether you want to be
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liked or admired.
Decide if fitting in is more important
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than finding out what you re doing here.
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Believe in kissing.”
Then there is the question of love, which the Bible tells us is greater than both faith and hope, and is therefore the foundation on which all good things are built. It follows that moments to cherish would of necessity strongly incorporate love at many different levels.
Two powerful quotes underline this train of thought:
Cherish every moment with those
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you love at every stage of your journey.” - Jack Layton
To love is to accept a soul entirely,
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not wishing that the person was otherwise, nor hoping for change, nor clinging to some ideal past. To love is to cherish the individual standing before you presently - charms, quirks, and all. To love is to give someone a piece of your heart that you will never, ever reclaim.” - Richelle E Goodrich
We are all afforded this one life, and we would be well advised to cherish the moments.