Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

How many special moments can we count in our lives? What deserves that honour?

Yesterday was my 21st wedding anniversary, surely that counts, as would my wedding day, and the birth of my wonderful children.

But what about that salted caramel ice cream I had last night with my family? What about my conversation with a colleague during a break in our meeting yesterday? What about the wave I got out of the driver’s side window when I let a car in ahead of me?

What about getting off my treadmill after giving myself a physical push with some interval training? Or listening to an insightful passage in an audio book? Or feeling my body relax during meditation?

What about a shared laugh at dinner? What about listening my my daughter recap her day? Or even sending a funny cartoon to a friend via text?

What about watching a sunset? Or petting my cat who pushes his nose against mine? Or a delicious meal?

A hug. A smile. A laugh. A quiet breath? A silent walk. A happy exchange with a store clerk. A supportive conversation with a friend?

We can reserve special moments for only sparse, special, and momentous occasions, or we can choose to celebrate a hundred or even a thousand special moments every day. These moments may not necessarily take our breath away, but they can be celebrated; a reason to smile; an impetus to value life; a moment to appreciate.

In this way, every day can be wonderful. How man special moments will you decide to have today?