Appreciating what you have or have not

We all have those moments that help wake us up to just how wonderful our life truly is. Sometimes they're simple moments such as seeing someone who has great suffering or difficult circumstances, sometimes it's the threat of losing something, sometimes it's just hearing another person's problems.

A good friend of mine told me today that she's unexpectedly pregnant. Not the end of the world, as she's married and has another child already. However, this was not planned and has not been the blessing it should be. Instead it's a complication to an already complex life and situation.

While I shared support with her and told her that it's obviously meant to be even if it's not planned. I realize how easy that is for me to say yet when things similarly happen in my life, it is much more difficult to see a bigger, wider picture.

I am currently appreciating the simplicity of the where I find myself. In six months, I will quit my job, go traveling for an indefinite period of time with no further plans beyond that. If I were in my friend's position, there is no way that would be possible.

I am deliberating on going into a long term retreat, going back to school for a masters or PhD, working in one of a couple cities, the options are endless. This brings fear and uncertaintity to a certain degree but also excitement, opportunity, and endless options.

I get to choose my next step and further path without consideration of any other humans (well not completely but almost) and without obligation. If I want to travel until my back account is empty, I can.

This freedom is invaluable and yet the compromise of starting a family and "settling down" is some of this freedom is lost. You must consider others, as they depend on you. My friend, I think, has done an excellent job thus far in her life to have a family and still embrace an unrooted lifestyle and a freedom that many people see as impossible.

I don't envy her current perdictament but I know it is what's meant to be and will likely take she and her husband wonderful places with new adventures and opportunities.

I just need to remind myself that the same holds true for me when unplanned and unexpected events arise, good or bad.