Being Fully Present

I think vacation allows the brain to work a little differently.  I notice things that would otherwise not get my attention.  I find myself being fully present to the little things that can make such a big difference in life.  Here’s a few random thoughts on my morning.

Why drive so fast?

This morning, my husband and I went to our daughter’s home for a wonderful breakfast and a chance to see our visiting niece and her family.  On the way, we couldn’t help but notice stepped up radar checkpoints by the Ohio Highway Patrol.  In the 15 or so miles we travelled, we passed four OHP motorcycles and two patrol cars.  With the holiday weekend, the patrol is anticipating increased travel speed, traffic and driving under the influence.

Why are so many driving recklessly?  In a hurry to get to a picnic?  The grocery store? A football game? Is it worth your life or someone else’s life to go 20 or more miles above the speed limit?  Follow the law and everyone will get to where they are going, safely.

Support your local farmer/baker/butcher/artisan!

After breakfast, we all went to  Columbus’ North Market.  I haven’t been there in years.  There was an outdoor farmers’ market with all the freush fruit, veggies & flowers you could ask for.  Inside, we found artisan bakeries, specialty butchers, unique prepared foods from several cultures, gourmet pastas and several other interesting little shops and booths.

I encourage you to support your local farmers, bakers, butchers, and crafters.  The produce at the Market came from local farms, the baked goods were prepared on site, the meat is Ohio raised.  Where would our country be without farmers?  The diversity, the friendliness of local merchants, and the gathering of people seeking fresh quality goods cannot be found in your local shopping mall.

Labor Day of love for Jerry’s Kids.

On our way home, we approached an intersection with firefighters standing in each lane, holding their boot out to collect donations.  Every year, firefighters across the country collect millions of dollars in support of “Jerry’s Kids,” afflicted by muscular dystrophy.  I have watched at least parts of the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon for as long as I can remember, a Labor Day tradition I wish we didn’t need.

The telethon is in its 45th year.  This year, they hope to surpass last year’s $60 million, although the tough economy will be a challenge.  Please give when you see the firefighters, or call into the telethon, or give HERE online.  Whether you can give $1 or $100, your gift will make a difference.

Did you know Jerry Lewis is 84 years old?  Who will carry the torch when he is no longer able to?  He sings a promise to the children at the end of each year; “You’ll never walk alone.”  Help Jerry keep that promise by supporting the work of MDA.

I’m looking forward to the upcoming week.  Family time, football games, bike riding, wave-jumping in the ocean, reading on the beach, delicious leisurely meals, and all around R&R. My brain is freed from thinking about work for nine days.

I wonder what thoughts that liberation will help create.

This entry was posted on September 4, 2010 at 5:42 pm and is filed under Current Events, Health, Leadership, Living Fully Present, Random, Service. You can subscribe via RSS 2.0 feed to this post's comments.

Tags: Attitude, Charity, Community, Compassion, Family, Holidays, Life