As I have been reading Og scroll V, I have been thinking a lot about what if this day was my last. I have thought about all the people in my life that no longer are physically here. When I was 10 my uncle at age 20 died in a snowmobile accident. My grandma died while my mom was in Europe and my sister and I were the only family with her except her husband. I was 16 years old and had been her namesake. The last thing she said to me was, “Those big brown eyes”. When I was 30 my girlfriend committed suicide and I was pregnant with my second son. My thought above all others at that time was that question Og makes us ask, “Why have I been the one who got to live?” I feel fortunate that I had kids to ground me and keeping me from rolling off into the abyss.
As I have had my own children my first born daughter had a classmate who was her best friend that died in her kindergarten class. This event had changed the trajectory of her life. She struggled for a few years and reduced self confidence and became less uninhibited. It was like a piece of herself died with her. My husband’s response was how could a marriage survive the loss of a child. One of the more recent deaths in my life is my fathers, whom my brother says he dreams of almost every night like he is visiting him. I often ask him what wisdom does dad have for us today.
Life and death are some of the strangest phenomena. I think about two of the greatest influencers of my adult life J.R. Ridinger and Dennis Franks and what positive influences they have been in my business building skills and self growth. Their words will forever be in my heart and live forever even though they are with the heavenly father today.
Again I ask Why have I been allowed to live while others have taken their last breath. One thing I know is the realization of how precious each and every day is. I cannot not take another moment for granted. I hug my children every time I get a chance. I take that phone call from my adult children everytime they call. I listen to them and stay present. One thing I have learned is I CAN be present with my kids when I am with them. Even if my business is not built to the level I would like yet. Even if I don’t have all of the time freedom I am working on having. There is no room for resentment toward those that have wronged me, but most of all there is no room for unforgiveness toward myself.
I will live each day as if it is my last!
Great reflections and perspective, Heather. (We’re not done, so much more to do and give…)
This is your day to excel. Make every day the best day of your life.
Heather, thank you for sharing your reflections about the impact of so many loved ones’ dying. I love that you said this conclusion: “One thing I know is the realization of how precious each and every day is. I cannot not take another moment for granted.” It’s SUCH a gift to live this way!
I love this Heather, it reminds me of people in my own life who have passed. Yet, I am still here, and you are still here. I believe that means that we have something important still to do. Let’s do it now!
“There is no room for resentment toward those that have wronged me, but most of all there is no room for unforgiveness toward myself.” Such a great point because I believe love, which is part of forgiveness, is a crucial element of living everyday to the fullest!
Amazing post Heather! So so true. The things that are easy to take for granted and you are now living these precious moments to the fullest!
You’re still here because the world needs what you have! So glad to have crossed your path this year – you’ve made my world better!