A New Day Arrives

"Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful: a meaningful friend - or a meaningful day."                
​               - Dalai Lama

What is it that would make today full of meaning for you? When I thought about this, the answer that came wasn't what I expected. At first I wanted to say it was all the good stuff. Feeling loved. Feeling happy. Hugs from friends. Laughter. Joy. Success. But when I really thought about it, I couldn't imagine a meaningful life without the heavy stuff too. Sadness. Anger. Frustration. Those things don't detract from the meaning and depth of a day, they just provide contrast and feedback. 

When I really thought about it, what would make today meaningful for me would be to simply be aware of the present moment. Be in the moment, with whatever it brings, breathe into it, and know that I'm alive. The sun is shining through the window. My heart is beating in my chest. A cup of warm coffee is sitting beside me. I am alive. My presence is what makes today meaningful.

Whatever your answer is, it's correct. What provides meaning in a day changes for us by the week, the month, the year, the decade. We're in a constant flow. All that matters is that you ask yourself what's true for you, and you hold onto that truth and embrace what's meaningful with all your being.