Today’s Fresh Brewed Friday is a little unusual. First, it’s on a Sunday (this is the first chance I’ve had to actually sit and write.) Second, the subject of focus is different. Today’s post will not be about what I did or where I went, it will be about something much more meaningful than that. Today is about love, life, friends, and family.

Growing up, I was lucky enough to not only have the love and support of my parents but also the love of many other amazing family members. My childhood memories are filled with spending time with my mother, my sister and my aunts. Two of my aunts (my mother’s sisters), Fay and Joan, were always there for us. They came to our school plays, graduations, and everything in between. They were not just my aunts, they were like mothers to me. I have no idea where I would be without them. They have helped raise me to be the woman I am today and I owe them the world.

(from L-R: my sister, mother, father, me, aunt Fay, aunt Joan, and cousin Jordan)

Recently, my aunt, Joan, has been diagnosed with extrauterine carcinosarcomas, a very rare type of cancer. She has already had to go through major surgery to remove a cancerous mass and within the next couple weeks will start chemotherapy. This past week I spent time with her and my mother in Georgia, helping out as much as possible. Joan has been incredibly brave during this journey so far and I know she can fight through anything life throws her way. She’s an amazing, beautiful, strong woman and this is another struggle she will overcome.

Between all the doctor appointments and visits, you start thinking about life. What are you doing with your life? Are you appreciating it enough? Are you taking things for granted? For me, it brought up two major points of emphasis. The first, be thankful for the life you have. The second, honor and appreciate your loved ones.

Be Thankful for Your Life
You have one life to live. This is it. Are you enjoying it? Are you making the most of it? Are you appreciating it? If not, you should start to. Look at all the positive aspects of your life and soon you’ll realize it’s beautiful! Stop complaining, start celebrating! I know it’s easy to dwell on the negative (I get stuck there sometimes too) but let’s pull ourselves out and look for the good. Don’t worry if today you spilled your coffee and were late to work – instead be thankful you have a job and can afford coffee. It’s all about attitude. Let’s choose to be positive and excited about life! Wake up everyday happy and thankful for all the wonderful blessings you have in your life. I know some days that’s a challenge so I’m here to help you. Try everyday to find five positives and say them out loud to yourself. You’ll find you spend more time appreciating and loving life than just getting through it. You cannot always control what happens to you during your lifetime but you can choose how you are going to handle and deal with it.

Honoring & Appreciating Loved Ones
I think sometimes it’s easy for us to disregard or take our loved ones for granted. We think, “Whatever, they love us no matter what. They will always be there for me.” So we go about our days expecting them to do just that, sometimes taking our bad days or negative attitudes out on them. The thing is – they will not always be there. We have no way of knowing when will be our time to leave this planet. Because of this unknown we need to cherish our friends and family; treat them well, tell them how much they mean to us, show them all the love and kindness possible. Make it a goal everyday to say and show LOVE. We need to say more, “I love you’s” and then actually show it through our actions. We need to make the most out of every moment we have with our friends and family.

Find the good in each day and show love to those important in your life.
I know it’s cliché but it’s true: life is short. Embrace and enjoy life!