CHECK PLEASE!

Life is a funny thing. But not always humorous. It's up to us to find and bring humor. It can be our life raft. Joy and laughter are the air that makes it float. Fill it, and it will sail through the roughest of seas.

Mornings for me, are my quiet time and space. I seldom set the alarm. If I do, it's when I'm going to catch a flight. Otherwise, it's a waste of bells. Strangely and always, I wake up five to 10 minutes before the time is set to ring or when my spirit whispers get up.

Regardless, it's always at the dawn of the day. I selfishly use my mornings for sorting. I call it God's Time. The preparation for what's ahead of me. The calm, patience, energy, time, and excitement we take from life's rewards, gifts, blessings, and challenges. Even from its disappointments. There is nothing worse than bringing DRAMA to the theatre. That's like bringing sand to the beach. There is already plenty of that waiting for us. Best to bring a towel, a pail, and a shovel. Lie in the sun or build your Castles.

Dawn is precisely that, a quiet and peaceful new time. It should be met with an embrace, wonder, and curiosity. And with that, a plan and a prayer. A plan for greeting the unexpected and a prayer that we can carry it through.

Life is a funny thing. But not always humorous. It's up to us to find and bring humor. It can be our life raft. Joy and laughter are the air that makes it float. Fill it, and it will sail through the roughest of seas.

I remember, as a kid, certain lessons I was taught each day, some by my parents, others by my grandparents, teachers, and clergy. And even strangers. For me, they are stored under the heading "How to Be." As I go through my list of "rights and wrongs" each morning, I ask the universe for my check, please! (Lifes' list: a reminder of the things we need to "check" each morning before we move forward with our day. ) For me, I check it so I won't forget determination, fortitude, and purpose. I always hope God grants me some grace in my quests so I remember my responsibilities and their integrity.

Let's be sure to check for accountability, kindness, and generosity of spirit. These are all parts of greater things! Think of all who have sacrificed or given their lives to learn meaning, purpose, and value. Could it be all that is asked of us in return is to review our commitments and live in gratitude?

How easy would that be!

So, "check please," each morning we wake, to each night we sleep. The list of importance that we all must keep, whether it sits by our bed or rests in our head, amidst something that's been heard and some that have been said, simply say thank you for the life that's been led.

Joey Santos is a Celebrity Chef, Life Stylist & Co-Host of The Two Guys

From Hollywood Podcast on iHeart Radio. A Columnist for The Eden Magazine since 2016.

Joey was raised in NYC, Malibu, and West Hollywood. He is the son of Film & Television Actor Joe Santos, and his Grandfather is World-Renowned Latin Singer Daniel Santos.

To follow Joey on IG: @jojoboy13

To contact Joey; whynotjoe@gmail.com

An Excerpt from the book, THE POTENTIALIST: Your Future in the New Reality of the Next Thirty Years