Photo of the week: My mother’s China and crystal. My mother bought these dishes when she was a young 20-something. She was working at a bank and saved up for them. In all her 73 years, she never had a chance to display them. When I was growing up, they were tucked up high in a cabinet. We would get them out for a special holiday once a year. Maybe.

I loved these dishes. When they came out, it meant that it was an exciting day. As I got older, I understood she had worked hard for these dishes and I wished they could be shown. When she died, I was happy to take them. I bought a cabinet as soon as I could so they could be displayed. I am so happy to see them every day.

This writing is about taking opportunities when they come. Having these dishes, even though I cannot use them (I think they contain lead), has changed me. I wish so much that my mother could see that they are out. That I look at them every day and that it has made me appreciate time so much more.

I use candles now on a regular basis. Not just when it is an occasion. I dress up. I buy presents for people (when I can). I tell people I love them.

We all know that time passes quickly. We all know that we can lose people or our own abilities at any time. Don’t wait! Each day is an occasion!

I know we all know this. But for me, it is easy to forget. I think that sometimes I push away the thought. It is a painful idea that time is continually passing. For me, it helps to do small things to celebrate the common days. It helps me to pay attention. Not to hang on to the present that so quickly becomes the past, but rather to fully experience this time.

Awareness is a gift to yourself. There is an old Rush song that says “Time stand still. I’m not looking back but I want to look around me now.” So look around. Cherish. Don’t hold back your love. Currently, a song has just come on my playlist, “Be Where You Are” by Birdtalker. It says “Have you been using all the noise/To avoid meeting your mess/You don’t have to work so hard/Just stop and take a breath.” Take a breath and remember who you are.

What have you been waiting for? What stops you? Today, let us cherish who we are, where we are, and who we are with. Take a breath.