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Make Today Your Personal Miracle

“There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” - Albert Einstein

I ran a 22-miler this morning in preparation for my second marathon later this month, and at about mile 18, the heavens opened up and poured water on me by the truckload. It was a Biblical rainfall, and I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face.

That’s not as dangerous as it sounds, running as I was on a deserted side road on a tropical island in the wee morning hours. I ran on, glad of the cool and amazed at how much water can come down on a person at once.

Then the rain stopped as suddenly as it started, and the clouds parted, admitting into the sky a God-like light that lit up the heavens.

I suddenly, without thought, shouted at the top of my lungs, “I’M LOVING LIFE!!”

The outburst startled even me, and I started laughing to myself. Where did that lunatic eruption come from?

It was this glorious lit-up sky, following the torrential rain, that made me realize what a miracle this life is. My legs were dead tired and aching after 18 miles of running, but it was a seriously beautiful run. I was full of love for this wonder we call life.

I then did something I like to do every now and then, which is count my blessings. Forgive the air of bragging that follows, but I thought you might be interested in my list of blessings:

  1. I am alive.
  2. I am healthier than ever before.
  3. I am strong enough to run a marathon.
  4. I am married to the most beautiful and loving woman I’ve ever met.
  5. I am loved by six of the most wonderful children I could ever have hoped for.
  6. I have an incredible family, with supportive and good-hearted parents, sisters and brothers, grandparents and cousins and aunts and uncles.
  7. I am able to pursue my passion, and live my dream of being a full-time blogger — without a boss.
  8. I have eliminated my debt, and have a decent emergency fund saved up.
  9. I live on a luxurious tropical island in a house with a gorgeous view of the ocean and sunset each day.
  10. I have a successful blog with the most encouraging, generous, supportive readership imaginable.
  11. I have a book deal!
  12. I live a relatively simple life.
  13. I have great friends, both online and off.
  14. I am alive!

That’s not a complete list of course, but it’s some of the highlights. It’s hard to be thorough when you feel like lying down on the road, curling up and going to sleep.

Why are you glad to be alive? Count your blessings — your list won’t be the same as mine, but there will always be things to be grateful for, and you should never compare your list with others. Just be glad of what you do have.

Today is a gift, for each of us. What are you going to do with it? How will you make the most of this life?

“Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive” - Elbert Hubbard

Comments (86)

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99ppp Says:

March 9th, 2008, 18:59 pm

Life is grand ain’t it! What am I going to do with it today? I’m gonna live it. :)

peace,

99ppp

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Gina Says:

March 9th, 2008, 19:11 pm

This post made me happy. :)

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Shilpan | successsoul.com Says:

March 9th, 2008, 19:18 pm

We shall have gratitude for everything god has planned for us. I remember rejected when I lost my job. As I walked out of the building thinking “why is this happening to me ?” I saw something that changed my life in 10 seconds. I saw a man trying to cross the road on a board. He was struggling to cross the road yet smiled at me and said “Isn’t life good ?” I couldn’t believe that I had created self pity for something that was lot less important in life that the struggle this man faces every day. Since then I am thankful for everything that comes my way, good or bad.

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Rupal Says:

March 9th, 2008, 19:21 pm

22 miles, wow that’s really amazing! I just recently started running and am training my body to do the best it can. I was inspired by people like you, Leo, who can run and I thought “why don’t I run?”. I always thought I didn’t have the stamina or energy to but did not realize until recently that I have to actually train slowly to ease into it. I am determined now. Good work! Keep going.

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Brett Legree Says:

March 9th, 2008, 19:22 pm

Leo,

This was a great post by you today, with a wonderful story. You just “get it”, because you understand that the small things, the small choices, make all the difference.

Thanks for the words.

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Kirsten Says:

March 9th, 2008, 19:39 pm

Hi Leo- I just found your Zen Habits blog a few days ago,
and I have been very inspired by your posts and the content.
Count Your Blessings is especially pertinent to me, since I have been struggling to not spend money and be Happy with what I have, which is a lot! But I never thought of actually making a list, and now that I think of it, I think it will be a long one!

Thanks!

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Stanley Stephen Says:

March 9th, 2008, 19:42 pm

This type of thinking puts things in perspective. I really love those moments when you are on an ultimate high for life. I thought about this type of thing the other day. Why wouldn’t I ‘risk’ things to feel alive? It’s very worth it. Talking to new people is a challenge I’m setting with the now, and perspective in mind. Thanks for everything, Leo.

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Clay Collins | The Growing Life Says:

March 9th, 2008, 19:46 pm

I think there’s something about running, or exercise in general, that allows us to turn off our minds and just be. I had a similar experience today while running and was happy for no apparent reason. I can could my blessings, but it was being the the moment, turning my mind off and being fully in my body that was the source of absolute bliss.

Thanks for sharing your story.

–Clay

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Victoria Maraví Says:

March 9th, 2008, 19:48 pm

This post is truthfully inspiring :). Greetings from Peru!*

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Lisa Wood Says:

March 9th, 2008, 19:49 pm

Sounds like you had a terrific day, Leo! Those moments when we truly appreciate life are just so amazing.

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Carole Fogarty Says:

March 9th, 2008, 19:55 pm

This is great Leo,

You experienced two extremes of life both within a short space of each other. The torrential down pour and the joy of the clouds parting.

It reminds me of child birth, the extremes the body goes through then the amazing joy of birth on the other side.

Life is a gift when we are absorbed in the moment.

Carole Fogarty

http://www.thehealthylivinglounge.com

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blogrdoc Says:

March 9th, 2008, 20:11 pm

I remember going for a run not long ago. It definitely made me feel alive again. Which reminds me….

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Richo Says:

March 9th, 2008, 20:35 pm

Thanks for sharing Leo. I’m just starting my day, and am inspired already. :-)

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Yvarra Says:

March 9th, 2008, 20:49 pm

As my old time favorite movie, “Mame,” she said, “Life is a banquet, and there are sons of bitches starving to death.” Pardon the expression, but yes, “Life is a banquet!” So, live!

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Chris Austria Says:

March 9th, 2008, 20:50 pm

Leo–I agree with number #4 and #5 would be my #2 and #3. It’s great to be alive…

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dokidok Says:

March 9th, 2008, 20:56 pm

Nicely said and very true…

By the way some of the persistent runners become a little bit addictive to the higher levels of endorphins (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endorphin) their body produces during a run (especially long distance runners). Look at this link too (http://www.lehigh.edu/~dmd1/sarah.html). It is not dangerous, only in some cases extreme loss of fat and exertion were reported.

Anyway, I don’t want to scare anybody or say that long running is not healthy. No, no, no! I like running. It helps me to get my act together. I have a stream of nice ideas and solutions of problems right after a good run. Probably the endorphins play some role. I don’t how, but it just happens. It is like a window, which opens and gives me a different perception for the reality. I can better smell the grass and the flowers around me. I can better hear, and see everything in brighter colors, and similar to what Leo says, in this moment I feel alive.

Unfortunately, I haven’t been running for more than one year now. The cold weather in Toronto is not an excuse, but…

PS: Excuse my English writing. I know I make many grammar mistakes, but…I just want to say what I think. I started speaking English language 4 years ago, when I moved to Canada.

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john thomas Says:

March 9th, 2008, 21:07 pm

that is truly inspirational

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Stacey Says:

March 9th, 2008, 21:08 pm

I too am fortunate to have so many gifts and blessings. Thanks for reminding me to count mine today.

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Melissa Says:

March 9th, 2008, 21:22 pm

very happy for you…life is great!

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Corey - Simple Marriage Project Says:

March 9th, 2008, 21:36 pm

It is wonderful when the time is taken to reflect on life and you realize that life really is worth living. Thanks for your encouragement. I am grateful every day I get to live the life I want and be with the people I love. God bless.

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Kelly Says:

March 9th, 2008, 21:40 pm

Another great post. Thank you, Leo!

I’m currently reading Eckhart Tolle’s “A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose” and just finished watching the podcast of Oprah’s “class” with him (available for free on itunes). It is very profound and I feel it ties in with the messages on your site. I wonder if you have read this book and what your thoughts are on it. You are living so many of the truths he writes about and the community you have created here is a great source of support for my growing consciousness.

With gratitude,

Kelly

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Marelisa Says:

March 9th, 2008, 21:55 pm

Gratitude is one of the most positive, powerful emotions that there is. I follow Oprah’s advice and make a list of ten things I’m grateful for each night. There’s a great quote from “The Science of Getting Rich” on gratitude:

“There is a law of gratitude, and it is . . . the natural principle that action and reaction are always equal and in opposite directions. The grateful outreaching of your mind in thankful praise to supreme intelligence is a liberation or expenditure of force. It cannot fail to reach that to which it is addressed, and the reaction is an instantaneous movement (of all that is good) toward you.”

(I think the reason people feel good when jogging–runner’s high–is because of all the adrenaline your body releases to try and alleviate the shock to your system of such a high-impact sport. I also jog and after about twenty minutes I start to get in a really good mood.)

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apocalypto Says:

March 9th, 2008, 21:57 pm

well done and good words.keep it up.

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Darwin Says:

March 9th, 2008, 22:16 pm

Kudos to you Leo for the simple yet extremely beneficial action of Celebrating LIfe and Being.

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jean Says:

March 9th, 2008, 22:27 pm

Glad to be alive, Leo - and able to come online and read such a wonderful post like this. Gratitude never goes out of style. Good job!

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Laurie Says:

March 9th, 2008, 22:34 pm

Life is good. I’m in the best place ever with my hubby. It’s been a difficult road but we finally made it to a wonderful place. God is so good. I’m a lucky girl.

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Jason Says:

March 9th, 2008, 22:36 pm

Wow. You sure do have it made. Some great accomplishments. Great kids, family and job. Would be really nice to be one’s own boss and be able to blog full time about stuff you love to write about.

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Iris M. Gross Says:

March 9th, 2008, 23:01 pm

Awww, I want a house with a view of the ocean… :-)

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RRjr Says:

March 9th, 2008, 23:06 pm

If only more of us felt and thought this way relative to our own life situation, how much better a world this would be…you have inspired me to count my blessings and share them with others. I too am grateful, and try to cherish each and very breath. Thank you.

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Totu Says:

March 9th, 2008, 23:21 pm

Thanks! a very nice beginning of a working week for me! Thank you for all your great posts, I find a lot of wisdom in them!

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LivSimpl Says:

March 9th, 2008, 23:51 pm

This post brought a smile to my face. Thanks Leo!

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tony Says:

March 10th, 2008, 0:14 am

Good for you!

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Charles Says:

March 10th, 2008, 0:31 am

Thanks for the memories Leo. I remember those feelings–long ago–way back in the 50’s. Yesssss,…I know your feeling–it must surly be universal! Damm!–Wow!–Next time it rains and thunders–I’m going to dance in the rain!–So I can feel it again!…, Too!

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Albert (http://thoughtsintime.co.za/) Says:

March 10th, 2008, 0:39 am

This is truly beautiful Leo. Check out my own reflections on how to get over the Monday blues:

http://thoughtsintime.co.za/2008/03/10/how-to-get-out-of-a-crap-mood/

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Oscar Says:

March 10th, 2008, 0:43 am

This post will make my week happy. Thanks for make me remember how incredible life can be.

I remember once I had a day like yours. But I was running on a beach, with my bare feet; Feeling the sea in my toes, and with a hurricane entering the city…

The rain hurt a bit, but after a while I saw the sun showing in between some clouds with a big sun ray going directly at the middle of the sea. Besides, I was running with my father, so that makes a happy memory =).

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Eugene (Editor, Varsity Blah) Says:

March 10th, 2008, 1:14 am

It’s amazing how we tend to forget all the things to be grateful for. My approach is to go out everyday and spend my time doing things that add value to my life and the lives of other people. And there are tons of those. Every time I read a book, go running, or do a favor for a friend, I like to believe I make a small difference in the world. Silly as it may sound, I believe those things add value to my life and I believe that value gets passed on to everyone around me.

That’s my key to happiness. It’s just a case of living one day at a time and making sure every day counts. It’s about doing little things that have a huge impact. A smile here and a compliment there really go a long way! In the end you realize that happiness is a choice and that you might as well be happy because 99% of the time there’s no reason not to.

(Great post, Leo. And good luck with your training!)

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CB Says:

March 10th, 2008, 1:30 am

Eugene,

Loved your message. You are a prince of a person!

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Edwin Says:

March 10th, 2008, 1:37 am

Great post!

Reminds me of the things I have in my life now and to start cherishing them. You seem to be living a great life.

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Teresa Says:

March 10th, 2008, 2:33 am

Leo, reading this post, is the perfect ending to a great weekend for me.

Thanks and congratulations on the many blessings!

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Kelly Rigby Says:

March 10th, 2008, 3:59 am

I’m down and out with a respiratory infection after nursing my son back to health after the same, so I’m not feeling overly blessed right now.

Nevertheless, I am alive, most of the time very healthy, and I have a wonderful husband and son who make my world. I have many other gifts in my life, but today when I feel this bad, they are enough.

I’m jealous of your run, Leo. I haven’t got out for a run or a training session in a week now and I’m really missing it.

Kelly

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Neil Matthews Says:

March 10th, 2008, 6:32 am

You gotta love that endorphine high. It doesn’t happen very oftern, but I have noticed it a couple of time during marathon training.

You are in a very contemplative zone, with only yourself, the elements and the sound of your beathing, add to that endorphins kicking around your body to act as a natural high, and suddenly a huge grin comes across your face.

It happened to me on last years Edinburgh marathon, I was cresting a hill, and the sun was behind a piece of public sculpture called the angel of the north and all was well in the world.

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rainer Says:

March 10th, 2008, 7:57 am

Congratulations. It is a great accomplishment to run an marathon. I wouldn’t succeed.

When I am running I might feel well because of the adrenaline and the other drugs my body produce. A good feeling while running won’t change my world even if I pray. I circle around my ego.

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Tess Says:

March 10th, 2008, 8:26 am

I laughed with you at this post. I appreciated the list of blessings, but you could almost have stopped before that. “I’m loving life!” How completely, wonderfully, fantastic.

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Susanne Christie Says:

March 10th, 2008, 8:40 am

Hi Leo,
I want to tell you, that I love your blog! I found it about two months ago and I enjoy all of your articles as well as the photographs and the qoutes you choose (That one of Albert Einstein is a wonderful one today!). Congratulation to your blessings, your style of life and your blog! Thank you very much
Susanne

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carolina Says:

March 10th, 2008, 8:40 am

i have moments like these - and most happen when I’m alone and walking and the sky is clear and blue and i just feel like I’m part of something bigger.

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odet Says:

March 10th, 2008, 9:01 am

Thank you for sharing.
I read your post everyday.
I get inspired everyday.
Thanks/

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Angie Schumacher Says:

March 10th, 2008, 10:28 am

GREAT POST! I just had this same “I LOVE LIFE” revelation this past week! It’ so good to FEEL good!

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d.a. - All In Good Health Says:

March 10th, 2008, 10:36 am

Rock and roll, Leo! Ain’t life grand? Enjoy!

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Theo M Says:

March 10th, 2008, 10:46 am

Leo,
it’s easy to count your blessings when you have them. I am wading through a divorce, I am stuck living in a Detroit suburb to stay close to my children, and my mother is dying of cancer.
Your post only highlighted my misery.

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Russell Says:

March 10th, 2008, 11:00 am

This is a great post. I’m on the train going to work on a Monday morning and I have a smile on my face! Thanks Leo!

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Will is GALVANIZD Says:

March 10th, 2008, 11:04 am

ain’t nothin’ better than loving life and living it to its fullest :)

Leo, weren’t you brimming with newfound energy after being filled with so much joy and emotion?

I usually find that by keeping in mind of everything I’m thankful for does the trick in having mind, body and spirit all aligned to focus on an activity like marathon training :)

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Naomi Says:

March 10th, 2008, 11:15 am

That was beautiful!! Thank you so much for sharing. :)

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Flint Says:

March 10th, 2008, 11:21 am

Awesome :)

Life IS good, we just have to slow down and notice it sometimes.

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ETAVITOM Says:

March 10th, 2008, 11:35 am

Wow. That’s is truly inspirational and I’m stoked for your! You are putting some amazing wisdom/energy out there and you deserve it. All the best…

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banji - LessonInLife.com Says:

March 10th, 2008, 12:09 pm

Very inspiring piece Leo

A wise man said, when you are poor, always take a look at poorer people around the world. Then you will appreciate how lucky you are

Unrelatedly I would add - when you are poor, sometimes take a look at more successful people.. Not to be unappreciative, but to be our motivation and drive us to achieve the same if not higher

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Helena Costa Says:

March 10th, 2008, 13:41 pm

Once more for me: I had the lucky of find ‘Zen habits on internet. Excuse my english, I’m writting from Brazil just to say thank for your texts and for the good they made to me. Beautiful post, Leo.

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Crystal, from JewelFaerie Creations Says:

March 10th, 2008, 14:08 pm

Hi Leo: I think I recall you mentioning that you haven’t read Tolle yet, but I definitely recommend it to you and your readers. I am currently reading it and taking the class and feel that it validates some long-held feelings of mine on spirituality…what I think you experienced was the power of being present in the moment which is as powerful as it gets. :-)

~Crystal
http://www.jewelfaerie.com

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Anastasia Says:

March 10th, 2008, 14:20 pm

I copied, edited and posted your list with my own blessings, and I have it at my desk. You are right about taking stock in our own lives to realize how lucky we really are.

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oakling Says:

March 10th, 2008, 16:37 pm

It’s not gloating or boasting, it’s inspirational. I always have to remind myself of that and come back to my own feelings instead of the urge to worry that other people will think I’m boasting and cover my ass - because at root, that’s just me shaming myself and projecting, and that takes me away from the gratitude.

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Easton Ellsworth Says:

March 10th, 2008, 17:12 pm

#4-6 made my day, Leo. I’ll repeat them here in Colorado today. Thanks man.

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Leo Says:

March 10th, 2008, 17:48 pm

I just want to say Thank You to all of you, for the extremely nice comments.

I totally meant it when I said that this blog has the most encouraging, generous, supportive readership imaginable. Thank you!

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robbin Says:

March 10th, 2008, 18:19 pm

I’m so glad I have found this site, Leo. I am big believer in living a simple life. And It is something I try hard to practice at my company and in my life. We are kindred spirits for sure. Your story is so inspiring. I will pass it on. Preach on, Brother!

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Jonathan Mead Says:

March 10th, 2008, 18:24 pm

Thank you Leo, that was a beautiful post. These are a few of the things I’m thankful for:

I’m healthy and well, I can live every day to the fullest.
I am able to smile every day.
I have the blue sky above me.
The sun greets me every day.
I have the most beautiful loving wife (we have something in common!) =)
I have started my own blog and am getting ready to do the same thing as you Leo!

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99ppp Says:

March 10th, 2008, 18:36 pm

The title of Tolle’s book “The Power of Now” is great. No need to read the book, the title suffices. ;)

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Janice C. Cartier Says:

March 10th, 2008, 19:11 pm

Leo,
I am thoroughly overjoyed for you. Bravo.

“When you are at a moment of thrill, document it”–Daniel Lanois

Will buy your book with gladness for the personal art you put into your life.

Many thanks for letting us go there with you in this miracle moment. Seriously.

All best,
Jan

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Stephanie Says:

March 10th, 2008, 19:21 pm

Leo, just wondering about a response to Theo M. I understand what he means - while others may have great lives, some people are going through hell. I’ve recently found myself responding to my negative thoughts by being grateful for all I have - family, health, roof over my head, intelligence, and a good heart. But what advice can you offer to Theo?

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Diana Says:

March 10th, 2008, 20:00 pm

I must be the only one to react the way I did to your post.
Don’t everybody yell at me. This is how I felt when I read this:
1. I am alive, but…
2. In addition to my chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia I’ve just suffered sudden hearing loss in my left ear and am coping with partial deafness.
3. I am not strong enough to run even halfway down the street with CFS/FMS and after my broken ankle just healed.
4. I am married but things are tougher between us than ever.
5. I am loved by 2 children but I see them only once or twice a year. One is on another continent.
6. I have no other family in our lives, all 4 parents are deceased.
7. I am able to pursue my passion, my fine art — without a boss but am not selling anything yet!
8. I have lost all the equity in my home in the last two years due to the economy.
9. I have a only a tiny emergency $$ available in credit.
10. I literally live “in the desert” and it is overflowing with poverty, gangs, inhospitable weather, no jobs in my field, etc.
11. I have no social ties at all since I’ve retired to start my own business. I guess I’m burned out by the workplace.
12. I have not sold one painting yet!
13. I live a solitary and routine life that revolves around TV and my dogs.
14. I have no “live” friends, since I left my 18 yr job because of harassment and all my friends had already moved away from here by then.
15. But I am alive…and waiting for the energy to have a life and the equity to get out of this hole in the universe. Oh and CFS/FMS sucks the life out of you so no suggestions on what I’m not doing that could turn my social life around please.

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Lorenzo Says:

March 10th, 2008, 20:02 pm

I’m blessed to be:

-alive as well

-have a boss who doesn’t mind that I have to learn as I go

-Am extremely loved by my family and friends

-have the ability to love my family and friends with the same amount genuineness

-have the gift of a powerful mind

-Feel cared for by the Universe regardless of how bad things seem. I consider this my greatest blessing.

Thank you for the post Leo. ZenHabits has become one of those blogs I check on a bi-daily basis. The constant reminders of mindfulness and thankfulness help me stay grounded.

Thank You.

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metal Says:

March 10th, 2008, 20:42 pm

Diana,

Now that is funny!!
I have a similar story..
But I can still laugh at the absurdity of life.

Metal

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metroknow - AlmostFit.com Says:

March 10th, 2008, 20:45 pm

Leo - I had a very similar experience, on Guam actually - my wife and I were there for our honeymoon, visiting relatives, and so forth, and we went on a hike toward the south end of the island. We made the mistake of heading out a little too late in the morning, without enough water, so by the time we were well into the hike it was the middle of the day and we realized that it was too hot with so little water. We turned around and started back, but I was struggling quite a bit by that time with the heat (light-headed and dizzy, etc), and we were getting worried. When we finally reached the top of the climb where the car was, we got one of those torrential downpours that you can watch coming in off of the ocean; I sat on the ground next to the car feeling like the water was evaporating as soon as it hit me. But it was such a crystal clear moment; waterfalls in the hills above us, then rainbows, with the love of my life beside me.

Wow I miss Guam!

Thanks for this post - so glad I read it today. Best to you.

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G.Davis Says:

March 11th, 2008, 0:17 am

My favorite affirmation for first thing in the morning is a simple one:

I love my life!

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Brad Says:

March 11th, 2008, 1:25 am

maybe moments like these, when suddenly we see how blessed we are and when we are able to see life through a lens of gratitude, are the exact moments we deeply hope for in life. it’s important to write these out, to testify, to burn them into the scalp so as to remember the feeling as we find strength to muck our way through moments that don’t seem so blessed and that we aren’t thankful for.

Namaste,
Brad

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MizFit Says:

March 11th, 2008, 6:28 am

adored this piece.
the title alone gave me chills.

M.

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Greg Says:

March 11th, 2008, 16:30 pm

This post just made me feel a lot better :D

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Migo Says:

March 11th, 2008, 17:06 pm

Me too, Thanks, Leo for reminding us how life is really amazing, and in fact being alive is just a thousand blessing already.

Keep it up, We are better now!!!

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Irmagination Says:

March 11th, 2008, 18:26 pm

My Blessings:

1. I love.
2. I am loved.

…the rest is gravy.

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Ron Says:

March 11th, 2008, 22:48 pm

Ain’t it great! I’m in the same place in life and loving every minute of it. Not that there aren’t challenges and rough spots along the way…but I’m grateful to God for all the goodness that surrounds us.

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Kevin Says:

March 12th, 2008, 0:41 am

It’s amazing what a little gratitude for life can do for you. It’s been changing mine over the past few years. Everybody has something in life to be thankful. Remembering the things you are truly grateful for shows you that there are good things in life. It helps to get rid of the negativity. The more you do it, the more you find to be grateful for. You are what you think!!!

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Steve Mathew Says:

March 12th, 2008, 3:35 am

Wow, Leo, you are an inspiration.

Having an “attitude of gratitude” is uplifting and makes you really feel alive. And what’s more it’s infectious. I’m feeling infected!

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anmari Says:

March 12th, 2008, 3:48 am

Wonderful post! Thanks for reminding me that life is beautiful…

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Hunter Nuttall Says:

March 12th, 2008, 14:59 pm

Good story, Leo. Please keep us posted on any further “lunatic eruptions” you may experience! :)

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Margi Says:

March 13th, 2008, 11:23 am

Everyone in the world has reasons to be depressed, to feel defeated, and to “give up.” Everyone has lost someone or something they love, has been through tough financial/emotional/career times. The joy of being human and alive is our ability to make choices.

I have decided to live my life intentionally. I will create my reality and take any unexpected bumps as bumps, not as complete roadblocks. I can’t bring my loved ones back to life, but I can live my life knowing their influence on me continues.

I am counting my blessings:
1. I am alive!!
2. I am married to the most perfect man for me. He is patient, loving, kind, and wonderful to me, even when I “don’t deserve it.”
3. I have incredibly supportive, fun, accepting, and just awesome friends.
4. I am just beginning a fantastic job experience and plan to continue it as my career for years to come.
5. I can feel empathy and love for other people, as well as myself.
6. I love my cats!
7. I live in a place with lots of sunshine and I never have to scrape windows.
8. I am about to finish my Master of Arts in Information and Learning Technology.
9. I can see, hear, taste, feel, think, emote, move, walk, run, breathe, listen, speak …
10. I am loved.

Thanks for the “excuse” to post this!

~Margi

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Mr Positioning (Stanley Bronstein) Says:

March 14th, 2008, 11:54 am

This post reminds me of a quote from David Ben-Gurion.

Anyone who does not believe in miracles is not a realist . . .

That says it all. Miracles are around us, each and every day. All we have to do is believe in them and look for them. They happen, ALL the time.

Take care

Mr Positioning (Stanley F. Bronstein, Atty, CPA, Author and Professional Speaker)

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Planet Earth Says:

March 18th, 2008, 15:08 pm

Congratulations, Leo, on a job well done with your marathon training. You do sound like a bit of a braggart, though, with your list of beautiful wife, loving children and paradise island. Your post depressed me. I notice that you do not respond to people who do not agree with you, so I guess ignoring the sad is part of what keeps you happy.

I liked Margi’s post much more. It was real.

Like Diana I have FM & RA. I wake to pain, spend the day in pain, am exhausted all day, and I have little energy for anything. Walking is painful, raising my arms to brush my hair is difficult, and my hands sometimes won’t work. Like Diana, I have little left financially due to the crashing economy. (metal, I don’t see what’s so funny.) Two of my children hate me. My job is stressful and I feel inept.

Even so…

Blessings:
1. I have a job and there are people there I truly love.
2. I have 2 children who love me.
3. Like Margi, “I can see, hear, taste, feel, think, emote, move, walk, …, breathe, listen, speak …”
4. My husband loves me.
5. I live in a beautiful area.
6. There is food in the kitchen.

Mr. Positioning– anything positive in my life is a miracle.

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Zaskoda Says:

March 19th, 2008, 16:12 pm

I was coming down the mountain on my last snowboarding run of the trip. I had cut from the group and was on my own so I didn’t feel held back in any way for my final run. Near the bottom of the slope I suddenly burst into laughter. It was the kind of laughter that included tears streaming down my face.

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Dran-O Says:

September 16th, 2008, 13:09 pm

Planet Earth- I am willing to bet things would improve for you if you turned your pity party into a real party.

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