How lucky am I to live in a Country that is peaceful and
free...with four seasons, freedom of speech and creativity as well as free access to medical services for a small
monthly fee?
As we celebrated Canada Day July 1st I reflected on
something my dad said fifty years ago. He asked me," why do you think
you are so lucky to be born in such a beautiful and peaceful country
instead of a faraway land where food is scarce and there is so much
unrest?" A big question for an eight year old, one that stuck with me!! It kept me from taking my life and possessions for granted!
Today
a friend sent an email, another reminder how lucky we are to live where
there is access to so many wonderful basic and luxurious amenities that
many countries could only dream of! The following thoughts were born...........
A former hockey hero once filling an arena with eighteen thousand people awaits his demise with a terminal disease, while three hundred people show up outside his hospital room to chant his name in appreciation. Another revered hockey goalie adored while at the top of his game hears little fuss when he's traded. Styles come and go, heroes come and go, only the rare few stay in the lime light for long. We are a fickle society!
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| Wedding card for a friend...looks better in person, the sparkles alter the photo! |
We love our new smart phones or tablets until a newer model comes along. We appreciate things while they do us a service, then they are tossed willy-nilly to the side. Do we value people and things enough I wonder?
A woman gains a few pounds and feels she's not worthy, a man or woman ages and is treated like they are no longer relevant, social media comes along and ousts what was thought to be timeless Newsprint. Maybe years ago things had a longer shelf life...like electronics, small appliances, friendships, and marriage. Some people change their mind like their underwear, falling into that change, disregarding long term consequences.... so much is dictated to us about what and who, we should want, or love! Yet each of us have such unique interests and preferences! I often wonder how we so easily fall prey to this kind of marketing!
I'm glad I was born in a day where life was simpler, relationships and values took priority! I watch my kids on a few days off enjoying each other with only small bout on social media and a bit of television. They are truly enjoying the simple life, shutting out the world to reconnect and calling it a holiday!
Are you fickle, do you find yourself wanting that possession/or person touted as the next best thing? Are you truly appreciating the simple things that are unavailable in so many other parts of the world?
Today and everyday I am a proud Canadian appreciating friends, family and the simple things!
