Sinking onto the sofa in my living room on a Friday evening, I was emotionally worn out from a busy workweek and eager to find a temporary 1 . Nearby, my 3-year-old son was playing with a toy train, so 2 in the play that he didn't even notice me.
Then I made a surprising 3 . Though exhausted, I was flooded with a sense of deep satisfaction. I felt extremely 4 watching him swing his body to ride the train through imaginary hills and valleys. His loud choo-choo" sounded like a comforting tune. I dared not make the slightest sound or motion that would 5 this joyful moment.
Upon reflection, I 6 something: No amount of money or success could 7 this experience. Professional milestones such as earning a medical degree paled in comparison to the 8 I was feeling now. It will not contribute to my professional achievements. Nor will it 9 me any praise from colleagues. But it has 10 my life in a significant way. I did not have to work for it. All I had to do was 11 and be present, like my son who was focused on his train game and 12 showing me how to be in the here and now.
Our daily lives are hidden with countless 13 to find satisfaction. It may be the sound of birds on a sunny morning or 14 a few minutes of silence at the end of a busy day. The key is to 15 the moment and take it in.