Gratitude

In that moment, it became clear that the heat wasn't there to absorb me. I was there to absorb it.

As a wooden spoon resting on a pot breathes in the steam from the boiling water beneath it, I stood in front of the sun, waiting to absorb her warmth, but her rays were bouncing off me.

The sun asked me, "Why do my rays bounce off your face and refuse to resonate?"

"Well, I'm standing here, right where your rays can hit me. Maybe they aren't strong enough."

"No, no, no. My rays will shine on anyone they can reach. But it's up to you to be willing to catch them and let them brighten your day. Or see them as a burden, squint, and turn away."

“But how can I catch your rays if they blind me?”

“Perspective.

Imagine my rays as opportunities. You can stand in one spot, watching them pass you by, hoping one falls into your lap. Keep your sunglasses on, safe from risk.

Or you can chase them like there's no tomorrow. Get up and run until your legs burn. And while you do, feel the wind in your hair, the mist of the waves on your cheeks, and the sand loose under your feet.

Appreciate everything that comes with chasing what you want, from the moment you see your goal to the moment you achieve it."

I stood there and watched as my toes sunk deep into the sand beneath me. Not making a footprint of travel, but a hole of static.

I thought back to every opportunity that I hid from instead of challenged. I thought of every ray that I squinted and turned away from because I was scared of going blind.

I watched the sun's rays and how they danced around me.

I reached out to one and felt my body absorb every drop of sunlight, growing and glowing full of life and energy.

I stepped out of my static place, and I ran. I chased every single ray I could. I looked back to the sun, and with a tear in my eye, I thanked her.

She said nothing back, but she did shine brighter. I turned back and kept running.

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Life does not wait to experience you, for life is always living. Flowing. If you're willing, dive in and get going. Opportunities will come and go. They will pass you by. But the impact they have on your life is completely up to you.