We take care of our precious belongings. Bank lockers, locked cupboards and safe places are chosen because of the importance of what we have. The more precious something is, the more careful we are in taking care of it.

But how often have we taken a step back and reflected on what makes something precious? And what are the real precious things in our life we need to enjoy and take good care of?

Anything that enhances the quality of our life is precious. That which puts a smile on our face even in our darkest hour is precious. That which allows us to create beyond our imagination is precious. That which we carry in our heart is precious.

Health is precious. Without it, no matter how talented we may be, our experience of life will be a fraction of what it can be.

Relationships are precious. Not everyone is blessed with strong families and wonderful friends. To value and nurture them, is truly recognising their worth.

Time is precious. It is the one thing that never comes back. Sometimes we don’t appreciate it enough because we don’t have to fight hard to get it. But just because something is commonly available does not make it less precious.

Experiences are precious. The joy and memories of experiences can far outweigh the temporary satisfaction things can give us. It doesn’t mean we must not aspire to have and use good things in our life. We need to be mindful that they don’t consume us and keep us away from collecting precious memories.

Thoughts are precious. When we discover that we possess the ability to think and create something beautiful for ourselves and the world, life takes on a new meaning.

Opportunities are precious. Life gives us opportunities, sometimes disguised as challenges. It is for us to recognise them and build for ourselves an enjoyable and meaningful life. Living with a purpose, no matter how small, makes our journey precious.

And our health, relationships, time, experiences, memories, thoughts and opportunities don’t need to be safely locked away. It’s not what is locked away that is precious. It’s what we unlock in our lives that makes life precious.

(Picture – The Precious hug of a 90 year old grandmother)