Just Be.

I wake up early, and debate whether to go back to sleep or get up  - to do lists already running through my head.

I quietly find a sweater, water and settle in on the cushion on the floor in our back room, wrapping my blanket around me.

I sit, enveloped in the peaceful darkness of early morning and watch as the light of the moon slowly fades and the color of the sky between the branches of trees lightens, first gray, then painted with a hint of blue.

A light goes on and illuminates my neighbor’s yard, then off again a few minutes later. An animal set off a motion detector, or maybe someone got up to use the bathroom.

The leaves on the trees are still. The nighttime chorus of crickets quiets as dawn begins to light the sky, infusing it to a sky blue.

I love this hour.

A slight breeze picks up and the ferns in my garden wave good morning to me. The distant sound of traffic picks up and the trees start gently swaying in tune.

No matter the challenges, sorrows, laughter or joy this day may bring, it’s another beautiful day and I am grateful I am here.

A bird calls out – just one for now – announcing the start of a new day. Minutes later another trills, a squirrel squeaks, and the first rays of sun peek through and reflect off the leaves of the trees.

I check in – the stillness of the world before dawn has fully seeped into my body.

I remind myself how blessed I am to have another day here.

To just be.