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Feel The Moment: It’s Just About… Life.

May 7, 2013 By markbrodinsky 1 Comment

momentsHow many times in life do we make it all too complicated? Without even realizing it, without even stopping to think we should stop the way we are thinking, what we are saying, how we are feeling. As The Eagles sing, “…we make it harder than it has to be, and I can’t tell you why….”

But I can tell you why. In fact I think life can be easy, or at least easier, if we just learn to feel the moment. Live in it, embrace it, realize each one is simply another step along the journey. And never forget each moment is fleeting, so if you think around it, look past it, or refuse to be present in it, it doesn’t matter… you don’t get it back. It’s gone, whether you noticed it or not. And that’s your loss.

Even if it’s not the best moment, even if it’s the worst moment, if you face it head on, you have a better shot of picking yourself up, getting back on your feet and working toward a feeling of fulfillment again.

Believe me I get it. Words have power, but they are also easier for me to write and much tougher when it comes time for me, or you, to take action. Yet I still believe you can make it easier on yourself with one word: gratitude. When that emotion, when that feeling, when that thought is in place on a consistent basis, as a daily place to visit in your mind and in your heart, then you can feel the moment. Train yourself to focus on the positive, put the negative parts of your day behind you, in the back of your mind. Live life moving forward, not looking back, or just as bad, standing still.

I’m trying to feel it every day, to slow down at different parts of the day, early morning, just before bed, and at several other times to pause and reflect, to feel the moment. I try and concentrate on what is going right, and if it’s not, stay focused on the thought it will all work out, if I just keep doing what I am supposed to do, and be patient.

Want some advice on how to get there? Here’s a helping hand: In the book, The Millionaire Course, author Marc Allen makes it easy, by giving you some words to live by. Allen says tell yourself you are going to accomplish whatever you set out to do, but take your time, success is a process. Do what you need to do, but do it all “in an easy and relaxed manner, in a healthy and positive way, in its own perfect time, for the highest good of all”. Repeat that phrase a few times. Go on, give it a shot, and you’ll start to believe it, you’ll start to feel it. Feel the moment.

The very first blog I ever wrote (Archive, Moments: Observations of Life, January 9th), was about this very topic: It’s all about Moments. Every day you have them, experience them, but don’t always pay attention. Am I really quoting myself? That’s scary. Though after 60 blogs and nearly four months of posts, maybe there are some words worth repeating. To become more, you need to pay attention, be aware, be present. Your mind goes where your attention goes, focus on being in the moment, whatever the moment is, and compound those good thoughts.

Having trouble coming up with a special moment? Look at the picture and caption below, and as we make our way this week toward Mother’s Day, bask in a moment like this:
ronald mcdonald mom
“Sometimes we forget to rejoice in the little things. Today I choose to stop and relish in the newness of hearing the name “mommy” called from Lakelann’s room this week for the first time ever. Thank you! We were told at her 4-month check-up, when diagnosed, that she may never, walk, talk, or understand. I love these awesome moments and I love her so much.”

– Shannon Bennett Curry, Mother of Lakelann, Age 7

Shannon and her daughter were, for a time, residents of the Ronald McDonald House in Baltimore. Amazing how a child simply saying the word “mommy” can be described as an awesome moment. For those of us lucky enough to hear the words “mommy” or “daddy” every day, it can become mundane, but does it have to? It’s all in your perspective and your life situation. Moments. Add them up, they make a life. So if you make the most of them, you make the most of …. you got it, life.

We all want to feel the moment, heck they just wrote a song about it:

And if you don’t feel it, then maybe it’s time to start finding a way. Put enough moments together, you must might make your dreams come true.

Until next time, thanks for taking the time.

Mark

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Comments

  1. Réné Pallace says

    May 7, 2013 at 9:40 pm

    Mark Thank you for our time and connection and lunch today. You are inspiring in your dedication to living wholeheartedly in this life and your community. I look forward to supporting you. Here is the site and musings on creativity I mentioned. http://shar.es/ (DailyGood.com Julia Cameron 5/7). Sorry to reply this way, but I left my book with your card at a meeting earlier and will not recoup it until Friday. Best regards Réné

    Réné Pallace Sunny Castle Coaching Mindful Mindwork for Response-Able Grief 410-802-2038 http://www.pallace.org

    Reply

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Love seeing new blogs hit the ground running like this one (by a dad no less), but I also urge anyone vaguely interested in blogging to stay tuned, I am. Good luck on your journey – glad that I am along for the ride.

Rachel Blaufeld

Great blog Mark! I always appreciate reading what you have to say. You are very gifted and talented and hopefully someday you’ll not just blog, but write a book.

 Stephen Koncurat

I’m definitely along for the ride. We’ve all seen how much damage the written word can inflict. More positive writers are needed. And I love how you are using your personal experiences – those with your wife and children – and your gift of writing to open eyes and to inspire others.

Victoria Endicott

Absolutely beautifully written! The girls in your life must be very proud of you. Thanks for sharing Mark, I look forward to reading more!

Gina Glick Jolson

Very shortly this site will be famous amid all blogging and site-building users, due to it’s pleasant posts.

Leila Galloway

Absolutely beautiful! Are you at all thinking of penning a book? You’ve got a fan base out there that really thinks you should Mark. You write so eloquently. Glad that I got onto this site.

Marilyn Lefkowitz

Mark, You are truly a gifted writer and obviously, a special father and husband . Always a delight to read your words.

I’m speechless…beautiful words flow from your heart just like a gentle waterfall into a tranquil stream… thank you so much for the friend request I was blessed the day I clicked confirm.

Lynne Turner Dorsey

From your first writing in 4th grade entitled “People” which was published in the school newspaper, you have always been able to write. Never more so than when you started “Caringbridge” and now your blog, everyone who reads says what a wonderful writer you are. Our DREAM for you is to become an author and encourage people every day. You are by the far the best and we hope and pray you reach your dream.

Bonnie Brodinsky

I know you always thank us for reading but I would like to say thanks for writing.

Stuart Abell

Great piece. You are an inspiration!

Rob Commodari

Mark I just wanted to let you know that you are succeeding in your “ultimate goal”. I have gained so much from your blogs. I look forward to reading them for the special lift that they give me. Thank you.

Amy F.

I love waking up and starting my day with my coffee and your blog! It a great way to start my day with positive uplifting thoughts!! It puts me in a positive frame of mind throughout the day and allows me to reflect on my personal life, make changes, and grow !!!

Gayle Blank

You are quite talented Mark. Thanks for sharing!

Cynthia

I always look forward to your Blog Mark. Thanks for sharing and as you always do, make it a great / remarkable Day!

Chuck Connolly

Thanks for your Blog Mark. It is fun, encouraging and a nice break from a day full of ups and downs.

Jackie Hetrick

With my busy schedule, there is (sadly) little time for reading. But I have two must-reads every time I come across them, the sports section and your blogs. Keep inspiring and following your dream!

Ed Nemec

Mark, you are a truly remarkable individual. You do speak from your heart, I can’t wait to read your book. You are an incredible writer.

Debbie Press

Mark, I am glad I clicked on your post this morning, which lead me to your writing, your goal.
Would like to connect. This speaks to me.

Aileen Braverman

I can’t wait to read the book. I have followed all the blogs and feel so good that I know u guys. You make me cry but you make me laugh too. All the very best to you!

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WOW!!! It Takes 2 is a must read for anyone who has known someone diagnosed with cancer or other life threatening disease. This is the real story of a family lead by an incredible woman, Debbie Brodinsky, who took radical steps to beat the breast cancer beast. The story is told by her husband, Mark Brodinsky, through journal entries he kept starting with diagnosis through one year cancer free. This author's unique ability to pour his heart out onto the page draws you in from the beginning and holds you until the very end.

Thanks to Mark and Debbie Brodinsky for this gift...I have a new perspective on what it means to be a breast cancer survivor. You are a hero, Debbie Brodinsky!

TeeBThree
September 25, 2013

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This book gives a heartfelt, in depth description of what it is like to go through breast cancer with the one you love. It is beautifully written and I felt as though I was living it with them! I highly recommend this book!

Jgs17
September 24, 2013

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In It Takes 2, Mark Brodinsky windows us into his world where his wife, the cancer patient, is not the only victim. Part journal, part roadmap, It Takes 2 goes to the real humanity of facing the mortality of one's better half. Mark's candid perspective, love, and fierce intention resonate with hope in a story which is about much more than cancer. Mark himself is perhaps the most heroic character for the way he appreciates this life and so many of us in it...as he says, "thanks for caring."

Réné Pallace
September 24, 2013

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It Takes Two: A Spouse's Story by Mark Brodinsky should be read by every person who is experiencing serious illness or injury or by a loved one of someone who is experiencing either of those situations. The book is an eloquent testament to the power of love and the healing energy derived from the belief that things will get better. There is not one word of "poor me" from the author or his wife who suffered breast cancer and the radical surgery she elected to have to beat the cancer. Rather, the book is a celebration of the courage displayed by them both in seeing it through.

The book also encourages readers to speak and write down their true feelings and be validated in them. John Mackovic writing in the Palm Springs, CA Desert Sun on November 2, 2013 quoted author and artist Doe Zantamata who said, " To be happy, you don't have to do anything new. You just have to remember how to believe again...Believe everything good is possible. Believe in your dreams. Believe in people. Believe in love. But most of all...believe in yourself." The author, his wife, their family and extended family and friends never stopped believing in his wife's recovery, and I think, in themselves. Read this book and believe.

Paul A. Riecks
November 4, 2013

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This book is a must read for anyone with a family member with breast cancer. It takes you through the spouse's perspective from diagnosis to recovery. Mark journaled his wife's journey and put all of his emotions out there. It is beautifully written and inspiring to anyone going through breast cancer. Thank you, Mark for sharing Debbie's story.

Jmu1109
October 23, 2013

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A friend recommended this book. This was a great perspective of a man standing beside his partner and passing along to the reader fear, hope, useful information and a broader story than his own. I loved Vinnie the tattoo artist. This is a great book. Thanks for sharing, Mark and "thanks for caring"

Blahsan

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This book is a must read. What sets this book apart from other books about surviving breast cancer is that it is told by the husband and his point of view, not from the survivor. At times sad, at times poignant but even through the worst of it you can always feel the love he has for his wife, her strength and the strength of their extended family and friends. The posts that are included from their friends and family lets you really into the heart and strength of the family. I would recommend this book to anyone who is currently going through this, whether you are the person or the caregiver. I also recommend this book to anyone who has a friend that has been or is currently going through their fight now. It was an eye opener for me.

L. Bogash
Seven Valleys, PA

ittakes2_reviews_2

There isn't a shortage of books about breast cancer, but most are written from the perspective of the person who has battled cancer or a physician or other expert. What an enlightening experience to read about breast cancer from a husband and caregiver's perspective! Not only does the author give us insight into his wife's experience and emotions, but he openly shares and reveals his love, compassion, support, and, yes, sometimes anger at the disease as he stands by his wife's side during their journey to beat the beast. Your story may not be the same, but I guarantee if you have a loved one battling cancer, you won't go wrong reading It Takes 2.

 PattiM
September 25, 2013

 

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From the moment I opened this book I never stopped reading. Mark invites the reader to come along on this journey that his family went through. I cried, laughed and learned so much. This book will give comfort and knowledge to those going through similar situations. Most importantly, Mark and his family never give up. They get knocked down and get right back up. They fought cancer together and with their strength, determination and will to prevail... They do!

 Jenny Schloss 

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