I recently spoke with a medium, (a psychic to spirit world) and Richard came through. He was right there—accessible— by my side. I often feel him in subtle moments…crossing the street or walking the footpath at our coastal home in Sea Ranch, California or sitting with me in bed as I write.

She said, “He wants you to know that he misses ordinary life.” It wasn’t the notoriety, conferences or book signings that mattered to him. It was the ordinary life that he cherished. Kissing his girls on the forehead, watching soccer matches, going grocery shopping and playing ball with the dog…setting the breakfast table with orange juice, peanut butter toast and cheesy eggs. Sunrises and morning coffee chats together, snuggles, sunsets after a long day, tapping away inspiration on his computer.

Extraordinary in the Ordinary

One of my favorite Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff chapters is, “See the Extraordinary in the Ordinary.”

It is the small things you will remember most.

Much of our lives are devoted to building something and creating big success, living the good life and big dream. In the end, however, it is our relationship to those moments of ordinary life that are treasured most. Keeping the end in mind helps us to live more presently.

You will never say at the end of your life that you wish you spent more time worrying about things you couldn’t change—or things that don’t matter much.

When I awakened from a deep slumber of security and comfort–as much pain as I was in during loss–I also saw such raw beauty.

The lotus flower emerges from the mucky swamp and rises to float atop with such beauty and grace. In this way, we all rise from our difficult days—as long as we are in tune to the fertile ground of growth that change can bring.

There’s something so rich about noticing the gifts of nature, and the bounty of good food, and the fact that we have the ability to have the running water we need, and to flush toilets. That’s right. Running water in our homes becomes invisible to us, and is quite ordinary in the western world, but extraordinary to a third world village without pipelines and wells.

Showing up when people call you and need you is a small thing that’s big. Being present for those friends in need of emotional support is greatly appreciated.

Even though I am at a very busy time in my life, I take the time out to spend with my growing grand kids. One week of every month I try to visit and spend time with them. I know how fast that time flies—and there is preciousness and joy in watching them grow. It’s their small hands in mine, their innocent love as I read to them or color on the floor, it’s these ordinary things that light up my heart and soul with so much joy.

Yes, it’s the ordinary that truly is extraordinary and precious. It’s noticing the small things with gratitude that continually awakens me to my most vibrant life yet.