We are a patchwork of every moment, every person, everything in our lives. No two people are the same. Understanding that, I believe, is a fundamental in life. It is a truth that, for me, makes life beautiful and fascinating. It is also a truth, that gives me comfort that we all have our own paths, our own gifts, and our own destiny.
At points in life it can feel like there is a script you must follow; school, further education, career, partner, house/marriage, children, family, retirement, death. Boiled down to that life can sound dull and prescriptive. However, life, I believe, is rarely that regimented and plain sailing, even if you are the wealthiest person on the planet.
Every human has a life full of tales. They are a book full of chapters still being written.
When I younger my dad was in an accident. That moment was a significant one in my story; it is only more recently I have realised how much so. Fundamentally, I changed how I think about and understand the world; how I conduct myself, and what matters most to me. It gave me a sharp reality check that became hard wired as a fundamental part of my life.
Life is short. It may end at any point. Therefore, what life do you want to live?
It gave me focus to pursue, or at least try, the things I wanted to. It shaped (and still does) my friendships and hobbies. It made me assess what mattered most to me, and for me that was, and still is, honesty, fairness, family, friends, community, and pursuing my passions and interests. It pushed me to not settle.
The point, I’m hoping to get across in this post, is to take a moment to ask yourself what matters to you? What do you want out of life? And, if you or a loved one were to pass away unexpectedly tomorrow, in month, in year, what would you like to have done with the time you have?
If there is anything you wish to add please do so in the comments.
Be kind to yourselves.
Best Wishes,
M