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Many of you know how much I love to collect quotes. I’m also finding them to be very popular among my blog readers.
Check out this quote:
“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive—to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” (Marcus Aurelius)
A year ago, I would have thought this was a lovely quote. But, otherwise, it wouldn’t have held any special meaning for me. Today I find great beauty in the quote, and here’s why.
Just over six months ago, I received a diagnosis of cancer. One complication of my illness was a condition called pleural effusion. This involves the buildup of excess fluid around one’s lungs.
As a result, it became difficult for me to breathe. I even had to sleep in a recliner because I couldn’t catch my breath when lying in bed. On three occasions, I had to go to the hospital to have the fluid drained from around my lungs. Thankfully, chemotherapy resolved my pleural effusions and I’ve had no trouble breathing in many weeks.
Breathing seems so simple and automatic. But I now realize it’s a precious gift. Sometimes when I go to bed at night, I focus on my breathing for a couple of minutes. Then I send up a prayer of thanks for the wonder of being able to breathe normally again.
Yes, there are still times when life doesn’t seem so precious. Cancer and its treatment can bring on nausea, pain, or overwhelming fatigue, and then life feels hard. But if I take a moment to look around me, I can always find plenty of reasons why my life is still precious.
You probably have your own set of tough challenges in life. Perhaps they’re very different from mine. But I hope these quotes will inspire you to stop, look around, and see the preciousness of your life, too.
“Sometimes we get caught up in our troubles and our problems and we let life slip away, but life is precious, all of life, and one must try to take in as much of it as possible.” (Yanni)
“Maybe that’s why life is so precious. No rewind or fast forward….just patience and faith.” (Christina Marrero)
“Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive. I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it.” (Dalai Lama)
“Life is precarious, and life is precious. Don’t presume you will have it tomorrow, and don’t waste it today.” (John Piper)
“Appreciate the gift of a new day, make it count as time is of essence and every minute is a blessing.” (Mike Norton)
“Life is precious. We should not take anything for granted. Living every moment as if it was our first and last is a genuine life of gratitude, acceptance and wisdom.” (Akiane Kramarik)
“Every moment of life is precious and can never happen again, and therefore it is a reason to appreciate, be grateful for, and celebrate the fact that you are alive.” (Zelig Pliskin)
“Life gets mighty precious when there’s less of it to waste.” (Bonnie Raitt)
“Be thankful for what you have. Your life, no matter how bad you think it is, is someone else’s fairy tale.” (Wale Ayeni)
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” (Mary Oliver)
“Life is precious and time is a key element. Let’s make every moment count and help those who have a greater need than our own.” (Harmon Killebrew)
“Try to accomplish things you have always dreamt of while you can. I know it sounds cliche, but the biggest lesson I have learned is that life is precious; enjoy it while it lasts.” (Lisa Ling)
“Life truly is precious. Gather every moment of it into your arms and embrace it.” (Paula Abdul)
Do you have a favorite inspirational quote to share with my readers? I would love to see it in the comment section.
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