I was recently listening to a podcast with Sam Harris, who among other things is a big advocate for meditation and mindfulness. In the podcast, he talked about the last time you’ll do something, which I found particularly insightful. For those of you who would like to listen, this link will bring you to the clip (roughly 5 minutes). In essence, his message is that we often take for granted the things we do and the moment we’re in. The question at the heart of his message is this: how would perceive this moment if it were the last time you would ever do what you’re doing right now? This could apply to bigger things, like the last time you might see or talk to a friend, but also to the seemingly minute details of everyday life – maybe the last time you change you growing child’s diaper, or sing “the wheels on the bus” as you drive home with them.

It’s an interesting thought, and one that has resonated with me since I first heard it a few weeks ago. How many things can you look back on and, although you may have been annoyed or frustrated in the moment, wished you savored or appreciated as the last time you’d do it? I love going to the beach, but sometimes by the end of the day I’m antsy to leave. Maybe it’s too hot, or there’s too much seaweed in the water, or maybe we ran out of snacks and I’m starting to get hungry (very likely). Either way, I wish I’m sitting there, wishing I was somewhere else. But here’s the thing about the beach – you rarely know when it’s going to be your last beach trip of the year. You think you’ll be back next week, but maybe the weather is crappy, or other plans crop up. So instead of savoring your last minutes or hours in the sun, the water at your feet, and the sand between your toes, your mind is already drifting, wanting to be somewhere else. Would you feel differently if you knew you wouldn’t be back?

The beach is probably too easy of an example, it’s something that’s enjoyable that you choose to do. Ok, what about the last time you had your teeth cleaned? For context – I despise the dentists (despite being married to the daughter of one). As much as I hate the whole experience of having someone else’s fist inside my mouth and the scraping and scratching of metal tools on my teeth, there’s something about that clean feeling when it’s done. I’m always in a rush to get out of the office, but what if I never get that clean, polished feeling again? Would I miss it? Yeah, I think I would. So instead of counting down the seconds until my appointment is done, maybe (just maybe) I’ll be present enough to enjoy that feeling and grateful for the opportunity to have it again.

This weekend is the 4^th of July, a big weekend for travel, family time, cookouts, and fireworks. Along with it comes traffic, long lines, and maybe social gatherings or commitments you’d really rather skip. Why not channel your inner Sam Harris and be in the moment? Would you feel differently waiting in line for an ice cream cone if you knew it was the last one you’d have this year? Would the creeping traffic be a little less annoying if you knew it was the last time your whole family would gather in one place for a year, or ever? Try and appreciate the moments you’re in and see if you find yourself happier or more grateful – I certainly have.