Remember in the movie Forrest Gump when Forrest is sitting on the park bench, talking with an older lady and eating chocolates from a big box? At one point he tells the woman, “Mama always said life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.” I think Forrest’s mama was right. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring us. In fact, we don’t even know if we’ll have a tomorrow. Yet, most of us rush through our days, lost in the fog of routine. We are like sleepwalkers, unconsciously going through the motions of our daily lives.

Sound familiar? If so, wake up, and truly experience all that life has to offer. Be more present in your life and savor every moment.

Today, Valentine’s Day, I’m giving you a virtual piece of chocolate from Forrest’s big box. Take a good look at it. What do you see? What color is it? What about the texture? Bring the chocolate up to your nose. What do you smell? What does the aroma remind you of? Now, take a bite of the chocolate and let it sit in your mouth for a moment or two. Feel the creamy smoothness as it melts slowly in your mouth.

As you savor the chocolate, I challenge you to taste more of the sweetness that life has to offer. Awake to the possibilities of the day. Engage all of your senses. As you go about your day, look for the extraordinary in the ordinary. And, listen with your heart more than with your head.

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a dream, and today is a present. Open it and enjoy!