Today’s reflection resonates very strongly with me. After my Dad passed away in January 2013, my Mom decided she wanted to move out of their home of 57 years and relocate to the city where I live. It all worked out as my brother was able to move in with her and they lived in an apartment right around the corner from us. My Mom was 91 when she moved here in 2014 and looked no different than she did 30 years ago. She took excellent care of herself and listened to her doctors but also advcated and only took blood pressure medication. If her doctors wanted her to take medicine for her bones or other things that at 91 she just felt was not worth the side effects that could potentially occur and she would decline. She would visit the podiatrist every three months. She never liked her feet as she had pretty severe bunions on each foot. The podiatrist told her it was very important to dry between each toe each time one bathed and this would keep your feet healthy. I was the caretaker as far as helping her with her showers and setting her hair and every time I went, I made sure to be grateful for the chance to be able to this even when I was tired or feeling many pressures from other areas of my life. Every time I got to her feet to dry them, she would remind me that I needed to dry between each toe. We had my Mom here for 4 years and were so grateful to have the luxury of spending that time with her. She passed away in January 2018 and I miss her dearly. I think of her every day. Each morning when I am drying off, I dry between each toe and say thank you. I was genetically gifted with my Mom’s feet and have not really liked them over the years. But now I thank them every morning along with my body as a whole. Most of us are thinking of all our problems and worries as we get ready for our days and don’t even remember taking our shower. This practice has been a gift for me as even when my mind is going in many different directions, when I get out and am drying off, I automatically shift to this gratefulnss practice and it quiets my mind and I begin my day peacefully and in the present moment. Thank you Mom – All is well. I love you.

“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” – Desmond Tutu
I recently came across this quote and it really resonated with me. I reflect on it daily and have shared it with several people. Our world is chaotic and our lives get complicated but through it all, we can always choose a little bit of good right where we are. It brings a peaceful feeling and spreads kindness and compassion throughout your days.