And the seasons, they go 'round and 'round

Indeed the seasons do go 'round and 'round. The Circle Game has long been one of my (and was one of my dad's) favorite songs. It's a beautiful tune but it's sad, I think. It seemed so melancholy to me when I was young; the message seemed to be that by the age of 20 there are already regrets and a sense that the best years are over. Its poignant refrain -- we can't return but can only look behind from where we came, and go round and round and round in the circle game -- felt a little depressing and fruitless. But it has been long enough for me to have a change of heart. We don't have to look "behind from where we came" with regret. We don't have to lament a lost youth. And while seasons do change, and years do go by, I now realize that every turn of the calendar page is not a lamentable loss but a blessed gain. Every day, we have an opportunity to live again. I recently read a Tibetan saying that goes "Tomorrow or the next life -- which comes first, we never know." It reminds us that it doesn't matter what the season is, or the weather, or the company...we simply have to choose how to live our life precisely while we're living it. The song goes on to say, "they'll be new dreams, maybe better dreams, and plenty before the last revolving year is through." Well, here's the thing. We never do know how many years we have. Or months or weeks or even hours. So, looking back or even looking forward keep your attention from the most important thing -- looking right where you are and living this moment to your fullest potential. Enjoy all your moments this week. Live to your best ability and fullest potential in every moment you can.