Every morning I thank God and the Universe that guides me, for a new beautiful day. Doesn’t matter if it is sunny, overcast, rainy or a mixture of both. You have to set your intentions for the day, and being thankful for another one on earth seems to be pretty important. I have been doing this since my cancer diagnosis in 2007 and that simple thank you helped me a lot. I’m not telling you this for a pat on the back or to boast about what guides me; I tell you this because I believe that it could have an amazing impact on others hearts as well and don’t we all need that.

This morning, we had tree trimmers over to clean up the overgrowth and to remove an agave plant with a bloom that was at least 25′ tall. It was finished blooming and the plant itself was now dying as it had completed it’s cycle of life. The base of the agave actually looked as though the life was being sucked out of it in order to sustain the bloom. I realize this is how things work; however, I was still very sad to see this huge, glorious plant start to shrivel. It gave us quite a show though and I really appreciated every step of the agave’s journey. We did replace it with a new agave and now we are looking forward to a new cycle to follow and enjoy.

Amazing how the cycle of life is prevalent in everything; or at least more noticeable as we age. I had never thought of plants having an actual course until I became an adult. To me a flower was something beautiful to admire, but to nurture and care for it? When I was young I remember hearing how people would talk to their plants to make them happy. Yes, I thought they were crazy and no, I never tried it. My perspective was to cut a bunch and put them in a vase where I can admire them and that was about it. Then as I got older, it became a challenge; can I keep these plants alive? Am I able to nurture them to another season?

Not sure when I realized nature was so much more important in the grand scheme of things; but, I always wanted to be outside taking it in. Even as a kid, hiking, climbing the hill across the street from our home, was all I wanted to do. Every day, every chance I got. Other kids were playing with the neighborhood kids, riding bikes and playing ball; yet, I was on that damn hill. Wouldn’t change a thing about it either. I have such a big smile on my face right now thinking about that hill and all those days and even nights climbing it.

Time is ticking on for all of us and although the agave’s life was only about six years, it definitely made the most of it. Are you able to tell what this story is leading to? Ha! Be kind, be grateful and make the most out of your time here. Remember, every day is a new day and another chance to start anew. Now go outside and enjoy!

S.