I was getting gas this morning and there was this older dude. He looked homeless or perhaps just in dire straits. Maybe in his late forties. He was in line. We made eye contact for just a moment and he cowered away. He was very shy. Sorrow in his eyes. I could tell this man didn’t want or expect anything from anyone. As he approached the cash register he placed a lonely piece of beef jerky on the counter. He reached into his pocket and pulled out just enough change to pay for his meal. I could tell he worked, probably not for much, but he worked. Didn’t appear to be delusional, rather coherent, aware and he didn’t appear to have any sort of substance abuse issue. As he walked out of the store, I watched a man that at some point, had everything – make his way down the street with nothing but his thoughts and memories….. Which I am sure both haunt him. He lived, but he was full of regret and sadness.

I can assume a lot about what his life and what it was like at some point.
Just like any of us, he was full of hope and dreams. It is hard for us to ever imagine being in that position. But the reality of the situation is that it doesn’t take much. Some of us are more fortunate than others and we have many levels of security to protect us. But it can still happen…

Today, take time to imagine losing everyone and everything in your life.
Losing the security of your family – emotionally and financially.
Imagine your life at it’s worst. Then be more creative, because life can be far worse than you can imagine.

Tell those people in your life how happy and grateful you are for them.
Today, just appreciate everything you have and don’t worry about the things you want.
Be content with where you are.
Smile and dance, because you can………..

I can’t imagine my life without any of you…. Thank you for everything.
Everything.