Michelle received many sweet greetings yesterday in honor of her birthday- her 39th! She is an amazing lady, my dearest friend, and a great inspiration to me. I thank God for the many wonderful years we have shared together. (And she is still smiling!)

The pressures of daily living can at times be overwhelming. We worry about events in the past. We stress over concerns about the future. A key to enjoying life is learning to enjoy the moment we live in now. It is in that moment that we have control. In that moment we can choose to find light and happiness. We can choose to set aside the past and the future and instead choose to find moments of joy in the moment we call now.
Some of my co-workers are very good about living on the moment. Today, Yami coaxed one of our patients to break into song while walking down the hall with Jill. They sang the shark song, Tiburon.
I appreciate these fun moments that bring color and smiles to our daily routines.

In recent years the trait that impresses me most about people is kindness. It impresses me more than fame or position or money. It is heartening to see random acts of kindness (RAOK). That was my privilege today as I witnessed one of our staff members go out of her way to put together a lunch plate (plates) for a fellow co-worker. I really appreciate seeing kindness in this world.

One of the commonly used personality tests classifies people who like to have fun as “Yellow”.  I don’t see myself buying a yellow car or even having a personalized license plate.  No surprise that I came up with a big zero on the yellow category of the personality test when I took it years ago.  Yet, I love to see the fun expressed by other people, the seemingly frivolous that brings a smile to the heart.  In recent years I feel I am making slow progress in bringing yellow into my life.  For me this has been more of a change of mindset and perception rather than seeking grand events and exensive pursuits.  I appreciate people who are yellow.

Even in the high desert of the Las Vegas valley, we experience beautiful landscapes.  As I drove home from church today, I went through Desert Shores and came across this pleasant scene.  I need to take time to appreciate the simple pleasures that surround me each day.