Breathe. And feel alive.

There have been some sad reminders lately of the harsh reality that life is never long enough.  It is a rude slap in the face when someone young or old is taken from us, either suddenly or expectedly. And for the brief amount of time as that reality settles, life seems more urgent - we look at our life lists and decide which exciting item we want to experience next.  But slowly the normalcy returns, the life list is put away and the routine reemerges. I have yet to find a way to reconstruct my reality to reach a perfect balance between urgent and carefree. To no longer need the reminders but to live in the moment and preciously prepare for the next. 

It is really special when you find yourself in a carefree moment - a wonderful, everything-but-harsh moment - and you are not only reminded of that same principle but you are able to breathe it in. It is in those moments that I feel most alive.

I have been lucky to have just had a week of those carefree moments where I was reminded what is truly important in life. I wish it didn't take trips away or devastating moments to be refocused on what is most important - it is a flaw I am constantly trying to reconstruct - but regardless, I just returned from a wonderful week in Jupiter, Florida with the husband, where I was replenished to breathe in each day.

Here are some of the images we captured along the way that might explain some of those moments...

People couldn't help but notice the adorable dad playing with his daughter in the water. I absolutely love that his pants are soaking wet. What an awesome reminder that we need to worry less and just live. 

Can't complain about our view from across our driveway. No golf balls came our way but I'm guessing there have been some lost in those flowers!!

Don't ask Mike how many times in a row I beat him in Sequence...he will not appreciate it. :)

My reading list for the week...

My grandma, Marcia - who truly has one of the kindest hearts of anyone I know.

One of the new ice cream places we found!! For anyone who goes to Florida, I have a full blog coming about places to go in Jupiter!  

And I have NO shame admitting I had ice cream every single day we were there. It was a must. 

Mike, clearly a rookie when it comes to eating ice cream in 90 degree heat. Come on darling. :)

Whether you are harshly reminded of the importance to cherish each day or you encounter a carefree moment, breathe. And feel alive.