One day this week, as I got up out of bed, I thought…what if this day was the last I would have on earth? It was not a morbid or depressing thought. It was one of those fleeting, pass through the mind, thoughts. It was there and then it was gone…except it wasn’t gone at all. For the entire morning that thought hung in the back of my mind. It influenced the awareness I brought to each small task, each step, my words and my attitude. As the morning drew to a close, finally, the thought did fade until it no longer influenced my day.
What to make of it? It reminded me of a chapter in a book by Robert Brumet called Living Originally, Ten Spiritual Practices to Transform Your Life. The chapter is called Death as My Advisor. In it he recalls an experimental project he and thirty friends undertook. They set their hypothetical ‘death-day’ at one year from their first meeting date. Then they met monthly to discuss topics like…what do I fear about death…who will I miss…what is important to finish…what legacy do I want to leave? Here is what he found.
“I found myself living each day at a profound depth and with a new sense of gratitude. I became crystal clear on my priorities and values. I took nothing for granted; I left nothing unfinished. I sifted through every facet of my life, embracing it and releasing it all.”
Today is the day. Welcome to this one incredible life…your life! You have an entirely new day right in front of you. These minutes and hours are yours to live…to be alive. You won’t get them back. There is no do-over. This is not a dress rehearsal.
Wishing you life, sweet life right in this moment.
Much love always
Paula
