There’s a Kurt Vonnegut saying that goes like this – “enjoy the little things in life for one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things.” But how many of us actually cherish all those little things?

I think many of us take for granted all the little things and only understand the value of things when we lose them. The following letter will make you stop and think about things a little differently.

“Dear Bertha,

I’m reading more and dusting less. I’m sitting in the yard and admiring the view without worrying about the weeds in my garden. I’m spending more time with my family and friends and less time working.

Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not endure. I’m trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them. I’m not saving anything.

We use our good china and crystal for every special event, including things like getting the sink unclogged, and I wear my good blazer to the market. I’m not saving my good perfume for special parties, but wearing it for clerks at the hardware store and tellers at the bank.

Someday and one of these days are losing their grip on my vocabulary. If it’s worth seeing, hearing, or doing, I want to see it, hear it, and do it now. I don’t know what others would’ve done if they knew they wouldn’t be here for the tomorrow we take for granted.

I think they would have called a few family members and close friends. They might have apologized and mended fences. I also think they would have went out for their favorite dinner. Of course, I’m guessing and I’ll never really know.

It’s those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew my hours were limited. Angry because I didn’t do some things, and sorry that I didn’t do others.

So now I’m trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add luster or laughter to our lives. And every morning I tell myself that today is special. Every day, every minute, and every breath is a gift.

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we’re here we might as well dance.”

If this letter inspired you to start living your life to the fullest and holding nothing back, be sure to share it with your family and friends.