"If we are not ourselves, truly in the present moment, we miss everything"

Amongst the chaos of life's commitments, responsibilities, and tasks, are days like today. Sleeping in, hot coffee, and a morning hike with a good friend. And hours and hours of unplanned, free time during a beautiful January day. Days like today I do a lot of reflecting. I read a lot. I listen to music that makes me feel good, and I think about the blessings I have in my life that allow for days like today to exist. I don't spend today wishing for more days like these, but I am grateful for the moments up interrupted relaxation and introspection before tomorrow the responsibilities resume. 

Our moments to ourselves are precious, fleeting, and worth unmeasurable amounts of whatever could possibly be traded. And as much as I love days like these, I also love the days when I am so busy with the weight of school and work that I forget what days like these feel like. My point is...we must soak up the process of living in the moment and recognizing our gratitude for days of chaos and days of peace.