It seems impossible, but we are already two months into 2016. Life is passing by at warp speeds. In order to get the most out of life, I try to stop, reflect, and analyze periodically. With all the craziness in the world, I am fully aware that I could die tomorrow. With this mindset, it directs me to live a life of intention. I'm not going to let life just happen to me. I'm going to take control of it and make it what I want. As I take a time out this morning, I reflect on the following:
If I were to die tomorrow, have I....
1.Have I let my parents know how important they are to me and how much I appreciate them? How I am fully aware that I wouldn't be anywhere near where I am today without their undying love and support, throughout my entire life. How I want them to take care of themselves because I don't know what I will ever do without them?
2.Luckily there haven't been many but have I forgiven those who have hurt me? Maybe they're not aware of my forgiveness, but have I let it go from my heart? Ann Landers once said, "Hanging onto resentment is letting someone you despise live rent-free in your head." Boy, is this true.
3.Have I let my best friends in the world know how much I love and cherish them? How I am so thankful I get to travel this life in their presence, no matter if they live near or far.
4.While I am quick to get on a plane and have an amazing experience, have I visited all the people who matter to me? I'm booking my flight to come see you little brother - even if it will take me a plane, train, and automobile to get there!
5.In this crazy environment of winning and competition, have I let my kids know that it's not all about winning? That I don't care who wins, but just that more than anything, I love to watch them play.
6.Have I been diligent enough in teaching my girls everything I know? Do they truly understand that in this vanity obsessed culture that we live in, that even though they are beautiful, it's what's on the inside that's so very much more important than the outside? That when my gorgeous brown haired, brown-eyed girl looked at blonde haired, green-eyed me, completely perplexed and unsettled that we didn't look more alike - did I convey that on the inside we are the same - gentle hearted, sensitive, ambitious people....and, that that is where our true essence lies?
7.Have I adequately demonstrated to my girls that while they should never stop dreaming, it is equally as important to DO? Be brave, take risks, and live life? Ok, skydiving may not have been the best example, but life is short. Get after it.
8.I've always been a spontaneous person that firmly believes that life begins at the end of my comfort zone. I've had many amazing experiences because of this trait. Have I pushed the envelope enough? Too much? I'm not sure.
9.Do I change things up enough? Whether they are big or little things in life? I'm getting tired of running. Kickboxing, watch out. I'm coming back for you.
10.Laughing is one of my favorite things to do. Have I laughed enough? The answer is probably that it's not possible.
11.Have I put walls up where I need to and let them down when it's safe? Have I trusted the right people? Have I recognized those I shouldn't? This is a constant work in progress for me. Guarding your heart can be a full time job. Remember your worth and don't give it to anyone who doesn't deserve it.
12.Have I done enough for the world? Have I made my mark? In this enormous world we live in, it is easy to get discouraged and think that we can't make a difference. We can. Pick a cause and stick with it. It's so important to give back.
13.Will I have gotten enough sleep at the end of my life? Absolutely not. And I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm too busy doing, dreaming, experiencing, and living. As I've always said, "I'll sleep when I'm dead." At the end of my life, whether it be tomorrow or in 70 years, I want it to have mattered that I was here.
There is not a single one of us that is guaranteed tomorrow. Make sure you live today.