According to Marcus Arelius, born on April 26 (https://tinyurl.com/5e58bvfb) [yesterday, like you “Doudou”, if you are reading this post : )]!, “when you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love“.
What a beautiful morning thought, isn’t it? In general, to what extent do you agree with this thought, dear readers? In other terms, do you happen to acknowledge the value of gratitude? And if so, does it make you feel more peaceful or happier?
Perhaps as we advance in age, we become more easily grateful for the little things. At the same time, we might become less focused on what might be lacking. However, regardless of our chronological age, we can all learn to become a bit more grateful, if we wish. Sometimes, life gives us golden opportunities to appreciate it even more. For example, despite any sorry when we are grieving a loved one, we might become particularly aware of the beauty and preciousness of life.
Life within us and life around us, whether in human beings or other species, in nature or domestically. We might feel an urge to live more fully and to keep moving while pausing, as needed, to honour the life of our loved one, no longer present in the same manner.
With or without grief, life can sometimes become tougher on people in many different ways for all reasons. For instance, some people might encounter chronic pain or illness. Others might be morally suffering, perhaps stuck in a toxic relationship or in a collectively harsh context like wars, natural disasters, or pandemics. Yet others might be in a unpleasant internal state like a burnout or depressed mood.
With all the above, how could people keep being grateful or re-learn to feel gratitude to be “alive”, anchored in the present moment? Luckily for all of us, several daily choices remain available at all times and for free like walking, writing, resting, keeping busy, connecting in kind ways with ourselves and with others, and/or maybe listening to music.
As far as music is concerned, three songs come to Bambi’s mind right now. The first, by Mr. Michel Fugain, is a call for joy, entitled “Chante” [Sing (life)]. It is sub-titled below in English, for your convenience, thanks to YouTube. As for the rest of the songs, they are by the late and great Mr. Jean-Pierre Ferland. Today happens to be the second anniversary of his death (https://tinyurl.com/356xzpbd). May his memory be eternal. In line with the themes of love and gratitude, Bambi selected one of Mr. Ferland’s beautiful songs to conclude this post with. The first version is performed by him, along with Ms. Céline Dion and Ms. Ginette Reno. As for the second version, it is performed by him with Ms. Lara Fabian. Long live the voice of these GREAT singers!
