Love Today

It’s time again for another installation to my cancer-killing soundtrack, and this one is a personal favorite. “Love Today” is a rousing, relentlessly positive song by the British singer/songwriter Mika, and it always gets me in the right mindset. Lately, it’s been pretty easy to “love today” given all the great things that have been going on. But even on the tougher days, the chemo side effect days or the days when my body still doesn’t quite feel like its old self, I’m still loving the gift of life and each new day I get to experience.

Before my diagnosis, I loved my life and I definitely enjoyed my days, but I took them for granted. I was always looking forward to that next week, or month, or year. I’d often say that I couldn’t wait for a given event or activity that was still days or weeks away. I know it’s just a turn of phrase, but now, I try to never say I “can’t wait” for something that I’ve yet to experience. I’ll say that I’m looking forward to an event or that it should be a great time, but I specifically avoid saying “can’t wait.” I need to wait and savor the current moment I’m in, before moving on to that next adventure.

My diagnosis and my ensuing battle and beat down of “the cancer” showed me that every day and every moment is worth consciously noticing and appreciating, because not one second of it is guaranteed. No moment should be taken for granted. Each moment, each “today,” should be loved. This new way of living life gives me a deeper appreciation of my relationships, the beauty of the world around me, and all the little details of my life.

So whatever you’re doing, whatever challenges or celebrations are ahead of you, stop for a second and give thanks for where you are in this very moment. And love today.