Celebrate everything on our list

Dear Readers,

In a few days, the islands will come ablaze with all the pomp and pageantry afforded a country which is on the verge of celebrating its 39th anniversary as an independent nation. Hooray, Bahamas!!

Let us bask in the festivities as a grateful people and take stock of our journey thus far.

It is often said that Bahamians love ceremonies, and in truth, it is difficult to deny this.

Therefore, I anticipate many long hours of delightful dancing and melodious singing in the days ahead.

As I reflect on this great feat in our history, I am reminded of the second greatest present given to mankind; the gift of life.

Though we sometimes echo the words, "I thank God for life," I wonder how many of us actually appreciate this gift. Even the most faithful Christian believer among us, if he/she is truthful, would confess that there is some apprehension, no matter how small, about departing this world.

This is a natural concern that should not take away from our faith. So while we have life, we should live it.

In one of his all time best albums, Teddy Pendergrass sang the words, "Life is a song worth singing...sing it."

In fact, shortly after his near fatal car accident, Mr. Pendergrass did an entire song called, "This gift of Life."

In this song, he expressed his awe about life and how much he cherished it.

In my most cherished line of the song, he stated that life is the only thing you can't buy with money.

Clearly money can enhance life, but it can't prolong it. What a wonder!!

Life is a precious experience; more important than any other entity around. It deserves to be revered and celebrated.

We do take many things for granted. For example, we expect that we will open our eyes every morning and that our feet have to move once we are able to get them on the ground.

But it does not have to be so. It is only through God's grace and mercy that we are able to do such marvelous things.

Here is a task for all of us as we embrace Independence Day.

Take a sheet of paper and record at least 50 things that this life has afforded you to experience.

Begin with the rising of the sun and end with the rising of the moon.

Record things to which we pay little attention, such as, the ants going by, or the bark of a dog.

At the end, we should be pleasantly surprised at our accomplishment.

Then, at the beat of our loudest Bahamian tune, dance and CELEBRATE everything on our list. If there are children around, have them to do the same.

It is guaranteed we will never view things in the same light as we did before.

Even though some peoples' quality of life may appear to be inferior and in some cases, superior to ours, let us still celebrate the fact that we have life.

Happy independence, Bahamas. Here's to a great life.

Dr. Pam

Point to Ponder: L.I.F.E. Living is for everyone.

Ask Doctor Pam is an advice column that is featured every Saturday in this journal. Your letters and comments are encouraged. You may email your letters or comments to askdoctorpam@yahoo.com, or write to Askdoctorpam P.O. Box F43736. Dr. Pam is a Clinical Psychologist trained in all areas of mental health.

© 2012 The Freeport News