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There are many wonders surrounding us.
I expect we've all read or heard about the original Seven Wonders of the World. Unfortunately, only one of those ancient wonders still exists -- the Great Pyramid of Giza. All the rest were destroyed either by fire or earthquakes. Wouldn't it be awesome to walk the ground around the before mentioned pyramid? If you've done it, good for you!
At this time of the year, the song that is a wonder to me is the classic "Auld Lang Syne." The song is based on a poem written by Robert Burns about 250 years ago, and the words still have an impact today. It's basically a song of farewell, and it's sung during many activities, including, but not limited to, New Years Eve, graduations and funerals.
As a nod to Mr. Burns, I'll listen to the song this New Years Eve, and of course, honor the poet by having some Scotch. Maybe, I'll have a Rob Roy cocktail, and enjoy the flavors of Dewars White Label Scotch, sweet vermouth and a touch of orange bitters.
The song "Auld Lang Syne" asks us not to forget. How do we not forget? Let's try using the seven ways we encounter our world.
See it! As you walk, run, or travel through your little corner of the world, notice it with your eyes. Don't take your sight for granted! Your world awaits you -- look at it and take in the wonders you see. See the colors of holiday decorations, of trees, of birds and animals, and the people around you. Should they ever be forgotten? I don't think so -- "…from morning sun till night…" make it a habit to really see the wonders around you.
Don't forget to notice the tastes of life. Think of all the food flavors you have tasted. Yes, that's a daunting task! Some tastes you'll never want to savor again, and that's perfectly fine. However, I'll bet you have a good story to tell with each of your tasting adventures, don't you? Tell that story to someone! For instance, what draws you to a good Zinfandel? "…Should old acquaintances be forgot…?
I don't think so!
Listen! The ability to hear is amazing. Yea, almost every breathing creature can hear, but in that ability is the uniqueness of hearing. We all hear a bit differently. When you listen to a song, what do you hear? Is it the entire musical rendering or do you focus on the bass guitar, the trumpets, the French horn or the drums? Please, this year enjoy the sound wonders of life "…so they will always be brought to mind…"
Now is the perfect time of the year to pop the cork from your favorite sparkling wine. Hear and enjoy the pop!
Feel the wonders of your life. Ask yourself who or what these wonders are, and then embrace them. Hug that special someone, feel a leaf and don't be hesitant to let someone know how meaningful they are to you. There are many ways to feel the wonders around you. Heck, as snowflakes fall, open you mouth and catch a snowflake. Feel the coolness! Do it "…for auld lang syne…"
Life is too short to not enjoy the feel of a cold bottle of Great lakes Edmond Fitzgerald Porter Beer.
What moves your deep emotions? Too many of us are concerned that showing our feelings will show how weak we are. Nonsense! Going forward, if a movie, a book, a reading or a personal story moves you to laughter or tears, please accept your emotional response for exactly what they are. Yours!
Don't hesitate to be emotionally touched by anything or anyone. Our emotions drive us to fully experience the wonders of life. Go ahead and try that bottle of Croatian Plavac Mali wine. In it, you'll find "…a cup of kindness…"
Another wonder of yours is your ability to smell the world. Yes, there are more than seven aromas, and many of them are rather unpleasant. That's all right! I grew up cleaning pig pens, chicken coops and cow gutters. I can smell those aromas to this day.
Your ability to smell builds your memories, and they will stay with you. This year really enjoy your sense of olfaction. Take a deep nasal breath and bask in the aromas of the nutty flavors of an Amontillado.
And lastly, don't not see, taste, feel and hear the love around you. Of all the wonders of the world, love is No. 1. Accept it with open arms, and pass it on.
The wonders of a new year are waiting for you and me. Believe in them!