Over at She’s A Maineiac she asked her readers regarding their greatest fear. It has been awhile since I’d been asked that question or thought about the answer.
Here’s my biggest fear:
I fear foolishly letting minor hassles, annoyances, pet peeves, biases, false beliefs, etc, distract me from all the beauty, love, blessings, and kindness in the world so that instead of feeling gratitude and seizing every precious moment and opportunity of every day I waste them.
I can’t think of a greater tragedy than letting my life slip away a moment at a time without appreciating and giving something wonderful in return.
Russ
Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
I’ll second that. I recently wrote a post about my experience at Dialog in the Dark, an interactive exhibition that takes visitors through a mock city setting in pitch darkness to understand what it’s like to be blind. It was a profound experience, and made us all that much more appreciative of our sight.
That experience sounds fascinating! Thank you for sharing it.
I have at times pondered what my life would be like if I lost one or more of my senses. I’ve sometimes closed my eyes or put myself into pitch-black situations and noticed what I felt as I attempted to do even basic tasks such as moving in a room full of furniture, finding and tying my shoes, etc.
I have three friends who are blind. They are all wonderful people and are fun to talk to and be with. They accept the cards they’ve been dealt with in life with grace and don’t let their physcial challenges rule their lives. Still, I believe that each of them would give a LOT–perhaps everything material that they owned–to be able to see again.
I’m incredibly grateful for the ability to see. Thank you for the reminder! And welcome!
Russ
Beautiful, Russ! I agree, that would be a serious tragedy. This blog seems like a great way to help “conquer” that fear – thank you for sharing your gratitude and for the thought provoking posts.
Andrea
It is indeed, Andrea. I appreciate your appreciation (smile), and your thought-provking and insightul comments, Andrea.
Russ
Wow – I love your biggest fear and I will bet it never haunts you because you are so aware and full of gratitufe – can you be cloned?
Thank you for your compliment! Trust me when I say that I have enough flat spots to be an aircraft carrier! Some of my flat spots have flat spots! But I truly appreciate your kind feedback!
Russ
It’s called being human…:-)
True. Thank you for the reminder, my friend! I’m just focused on being the best human I can be and seizing opportunities to do that in the time I have left in this life. Despite my focus and intentions, I sure have a long way to and an unknown amount of time to get there, but I’m greatly enjoying the adventure and experience (at least most of the time).
Russ
Great…I have always thought that one of the tragedy of our lives will be not have lived while alive…You are an inspiration sir.
As are you, my friend Boomie! Thank you for the kind complimnet!
Russ
It’s scarily easy to get caught up in the negativity and annoyances of life. I have to wake-up every now and then and realize how incredible it is to just have life. There is so much to the thankful for!
Indeed there is. Thank you for your comment and the reminder! Having readers like you is one of the things I’m thankful for!
Russ
Russ, you are amazing! Thank you so much for this post, this important reminder of celebrating each moment. The fear you’ve shared here is what I’ve been working on lately, cherishing each moment with my family, projects, pets, crafts, and gardens. These interests have kept me away from my blogging family (like You!) but it is a choice that I must make sometimes (as I continue to work on balancing it all). Occasionally I have to be away from my computer, and your wonderful post here helps celebrate the reasons WHY.
With gratitude for you always, Gina
Dear friend:
Know that you are being thought of fondly whether or not you post. I’m glad that you are investing time with your family and those other critically important aspects of your life.
I’ll happily wait for your next post. I know that no matter how long between these gifts you share with the world they will always be worth the wait.
Seeing reflections of your spirit always is.
Russ
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