By Suzanne Reisler Litwin
I do the same thing every morning when I wake up. Once I open my eyes, I thank G-d for giving me this day. I’m not a particularly religious person. I would consider myself more spiritual and soulful than religious. I do believe in G-d in a sort of funny way. I also believe in the random quality of chance. The chance we will meet. The chance we might avoid an accident. The chance we will win or lose something. Chance is beyond our control. I believe that somewhere the two, G-d and chance, cross over and that’s where I fit in.
So, I wake up and thank G-d for this day of life and ask myself, “What will happen today?” Now, chance takes over to a certain degree. On some days I might spend the morning at my computer composing, perhaps this article. I might do something for myself or for someone else. Sometimes, I just like to be quiet and sit in a quiet space to think and write.
Through my writing and the publishing of my work on the internet or in print, I have been able to reconnect with many of my old friends. After many exchanges, I reached out to them and suggested to get together. I sort of planned a little reunion dinner. Since that night, we have met on a few other occasions and have really enjoyed each other’s company. I took the chance to reconnect and it worked.
Bringing people together usually creates a joyous opportunity. We gave our reunited group a name. So now we have a real identity. We are “The WHHS Gals”.
In the very short amount time that this group has been formed, life has occurred and has altered each of us in some way. There have been wonderful and awful situations which have happened to each of us. Chance has occurred and/or G-d has intervened. Together, we have been able to share these experiences.
However, at the most difficult points in our lives, sometimes being left alone is the safest place to be. Although, being left alone is also a very hard place to be. Reaching out to people who are going through their darkest days is so very helpful.
A very beautiful wise woman once said, “You don’t ask, you just do”.
I listened to her and I did just that. I encouraged one of our gals to come out for dinner. I offered to pick her up, drive her, and bring her home. I said, “Please come with me. Be with your gals. Have a glass of wine or two. Just listen. Get your mind off your pain, if just for a couple of hours. Come out with me tonight.” Reluctantly, she picked up her weary soul and came out.
That night we ate delicious foods and drank incredible wine. We all laughed and cried together. We reminisced and made stupid jokes. We screamed and were really silly. I think we danced too! We were together and re-bonded. Bringing people together really helps.
Another excellent quote from this most beautiful wise woman is:
“To have a good friend, you have to be a good friend”
I suppose I can blame my friend for my “pushing her out for dinner”, that night. She is a wonderful friend to me. I felt the need to help her because of the friendship she gives to me. It was by chance that we reconnected, but it is our love that keeps us bonded. That night was a good night in a long line of her very difficult nights.
So what are the gals up to in the future? Next planned is a Yoga, Chocolate and Wine night! That’s right!!! Doesn’t that sound delicious? We will be scrumptious warriors!!!
I can’t wait for this evening. I will combine my 4 loves. I love yoga, I love (beyond comprehension) chocolate, and I love, love, love, wine. Which amounts to only 3. The fourth is bringing this wonderful group of gals together whom I will share this glorious evening with. That’s the honey in this flower!
Living in the now often means to pay special attention to what is currently happening and to appreciate it. It also means to live meaningfully now. Plan wonderful things to do in the future. Bring people together to share this with. Do it.
Share joy and when you can, help those who need to find their joy.
Do it now, don’t ask, just do.
Suzanne Reisler Litwin an instructor at Concordia University in The Centre for Continuing Education. Suzanne is a freelance contributor to The Suburban newspaper. She is the author of the children’s book, The Black Velvet Jacket. She lives in Montreal, Canada with her 3 children, Allyn, Taylor, and Duke and her husband Laurie. Suzanne contributes regularly to West Island Blog under her column “Keeping it Real”. Please visit her website www.suzannereislerlitwin.com
to read more of her published articles, books, and poetry.
