This is not a dress rehearsal. That is what someone told me decades ago, when I crawled into Al-Anon. It’s not like this is the practice run for our next life. This is it.

I mean, it may be a practice run – and sometimes I like to think it is because I’d like to come back and have another go at this (I still want to live in Scotland…and in a garret apartment in Paris…and…) – but I have to pretty much assume it’s not. This is the life I have. Right here. Right now.

Of course, it was my yoga instructor who reminded me of this the other day. “This is it,” she said. “Right here. Right now.” I sometimes forget to live as if each moment matters, but each moment does matter, and I love when I remember to live like that.

There are probably people who would call out that that is how I live my life, and it is much of the time. But I sometimes go on autopilot. I sometimes forget how lucky I am to be here, wherever here is. I sometimes miss noticing the beauty around me and the people I love right next to me (and far away). I sometimes keep trying to get this life “right” instead of letting it be what it is and appreciating what it is.

It’s a new day. It’s a new year. And this is my life. Right here. Right now. I am going to make each moment count and dive in with all my heart, soul, and love. Again.

Happy New Year!

I’d love to hear your thoughts, and please share this post with others if it resonates with you!