Becoming 51.

Today, it is my birthday. I am 51. Becoming 50 was the most incredible shift in my life to date. Becoming 51 is similarly spectacular, because I value each and every day of my life. So every day is beautifully spectacular to me.

But waking up at 51 was extra special.

Having experienced serious and life threatening ill health over the years, I take nothing for granted, and greet each day afresh, ready for anything.

My cousin, some years ago, at 50, went to sleep one night, and never woke up to greet a new day. She had died, completely unexpectedly, of a massive coronary, in the night. Her husband and family woke to a whole new world that day. 

Nothing is guaranteed, but what we see before us, right here, right now, and it is good to take a moment to remember that, when we open our eyes, each morning.

It is these moments that makes me glad to have a spiritual practice.