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So often I hear of tragedies happening and people dying and I think of how crazy and short life can be.
This happened a few days ago when that teacher in Nevada was killed by a 12-year old gunman. And the thought of life being unpredictable has been weighing heavy on my mind today, since finding out that my great aunt passed away this morning.
I wasn’t really close with her, but she was family. The last time I saw her we were relaxing on beach chairs in the early evening, feet in the sand, plastic cups of wine in our hands, just chatting about life. She always seemed healthy, until recently when she was diagnosed with cancer in multiple areas of her body. After that diagnosis came, it all went downhill for her, and a prognosis of having months to live turned into days.
I never can seem to easily grasp the idea that one day a person is alive and well, then the next day they’re gone – even when it happens this way after a progression of sickness.
Feeling kind of blah, this afternoon I decided that a yoga class would be good for my spirit. The yoga instructor spoke of mindfulness — paying attention to being right here, right now, free of worries of what will happen or what has happened.
I think that really being present in the “now” and focusing on being the best version of you today are major keys to fulfillment and happiness.
We don’t know how long we’ll be on this earth. Don’t wait to truly live.
So spend time doing what you’re passionate about. If you don’t have the time, make the time.
Don’t waste time worrying about petty things and people. It takes up too much time and energy, and distracts you from the positive things you’re probably ignoring.
Be kind to others…and yourself.
Take chances. Do things that scare and challenge you.
Follow your heart and believe that all the answers can be found within you.
If you’ll laugh about it in a year, don’t let it ruin your day now.
Tell the people close to you that you love them often… I did so with every loved one I spoke to today.
And do what makes your heart smile because…
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Are you?
I SO needed to read this today. Thank you for sharing Nicole.
Thank you for reading Ali!
I’m so sorry to hear about your great aunt. This is such an important message and beautifully written post!
Thank you, Davida!! I appreciate the love 🙂
First, I am really sorry for your loss. It’s really hard to lose someone you know even if you are not particularly close to them. Second, this is a wonderful post and is really heartfelt and though provoking. Third, everything you say is true and I really needed this right now because I was feeling a little down about some stuff that I realize does not actually matter.
Sometimes we all just need a little reminder to put things into perspective 🙂 Thank you for reading it.
I’m sorry to hear about your aunt. I have a tough time with people around me dying too and it always puts me in a strange funk. You’re right though. What’s important is being happy and keeping the people you love close to your heart.
Yeah death always feels like such a strange thing, and it always makes me think very philosophically – drives me a little nuts actually! But I couldn’t agree more that happiness and love are the most important things in life.
So sorry about your loss. Such a good post and perspective though. I’ve felt the same things this year since I lost my Grandpa. He was the first loss i’ve experienced and it has made me think all the same things you are thinking about…I pray that everyday, I’m reminded to live in the moment and enjoy life and the people around me. And to not sweat the small stuff that I think is SO TRAGIC!
Thank you Nikki. I totally agree, people get so upset about small things…I’m not saying that I never get upset about things that don’t make a difference in the scheme of things, but I can honestly say that I take most things with a grain of salt. Being stressed out over everything is just pointless!