this is that moment

This is that moment.

When you feel overwhelmed with gratitude for your life.

For every other moment that led you here.

Every friend who walked with you.

Every delicious meal.

Every cat.

Every lover.

Every family you called your own.

Every practice you embraced.

The so muchness of it.

Your husband.

The dear ones whom you love and turn to with your sorrows and your joys.

Your body, whatever its imperfections.

Your body, that has carried you from the day you were born until now.

Your body, that has taken you so many places.

Now, maybe you don’t travel far.

Now, maybe you don’t travel far at all.

And yet, you look around, and everything you need is here.

Everything you need is here.

At your fingertips.

Yes, everything.

For a time, you breathe, you rest.

You stop talking.

And then you say: yes, this.

This life.

This one.

I take it.

I embrace it.

I love this life of mine.

[on the occasion of my sixtieth birthday]

image by clement proust