LIFE IS TOO SHORT…

Actress Pauly Perrette said, “Life is such a strange journey for pretty much all of us.  It is a book being written every day, each new chapter unknown to the reader, who is experiencing a path that could turn at any moment.”  Yes indeed.  We never know from day to day what twists and turns life will hold.  However, it is a certainty that at some point we will experience some sort of change; something will be made different from what it once was.  When the change fills us with joy, happiness, laughter, smiles, special moments, celebrations, blessings, or opportunity we seem to move forward without a second thought.  However, when the change fills us with sadness, heartache, disappointment, hardship, obstacles, or challenges we often become reflective, focusing on what happened, why it happened, and where do I go from here.

The “dark” side of change always has a lesson for us. For me, the basic lesson is life is too short and nothing is guaranteed.  We assume there will be tomorrow or next week or next year but our tomorrows, next weeks, next years can be taken from us in the briefest of moments.

Because we only have the present moment it is important that we make the most of the moments we have and not waste a precious second on things like:

• Disappointment
• Frustrations
• Worries
• Anger
• Regrets
• Grudges
• Guilt
• Hatred
• Vengeance
• Unimportant matters
• Negativity
• Energy vampires

Author John Green said, “Our lives are composed of a finite set of moments that we choose how to spend.”   Operative words – we choose how to spend the moments we are given.  We need to spend our time with people and things that matter.  We need to let go of anything takes away moments of happiness, joy, laughter, and smiles.   To make the most of the time we are given on our life journey, we need to:

• Enjoy the present moment.
• Make the most of each and every moment we are given.
• Surround ourselves with positive people and experiences.
• Engage in things that make our heart smile.
• Take nothing or no one for granted.
• Have an attitude of gratitude.
• Smile and laugh more.
• Take time to celebrate, even the smallest of things.
• Turn dreams into reality.
• Spend quality time with family and friends.
• Embrace kindness.
• Appreciate what we have.

Rebecca in a blog on Simple Reminders That Life is Too Short tells us, “Appreciate every moment you’re living in before you regret not cherishing it enough.  This goes the same for people, things, places, and moments.  Life is too short to be angry and resentful that things didn’t go your way because that’s the reality of life.  No matter how hard we try, we can never fully control our lives so it’s better to appreciate moments before they pass away completely.”

Rebecca is absolutely right.  We should all strive to make the most of our life journey.  Knowing that anyone or anything can be taken from us at any time should have us value and appreciate everything that we do have in life as well as empower us to spend the time we do have with those people and situations that will add meaning, wonder, awe, and positive, productive  moments to our days.  So, live with purpose.  Be authentic.  Say yes to all of life’s experiences.  Live each day in a meaningful way, with intention and positivity.   Life is just too short to do otherwise.