Katrina Wampler recently posted a blog entry (http://katrinawampler.wordpress.com/) titled "You're Running Out Of Time." The post asks the question, "What would you do if you knew you only had six months to live?"
Always a thought provoking question. The first thought is how liberating it would be to actually know how much time you have left. In a sense it can be a great relief. You are free to live each day because you no longer have the worries of tomorrow.
For me living each day comes down to people and experiences. You can see clearly how meaningless a materialistic lifestyle is. What is truly important and meaningful in life is who you share it with and what you get from each day. 6 months may not seem like much time; but there are people in this world that already experience more life in 1 week than most people experience in a year (or 10 years). There are people who have never ventured more than 50 miles from their home!
The sad truth is that many people given the news that they only have 6 months to live would see themselves as a victim and spend their remaining time crying “why me” instead of recognizing the amazing gift they have been given. It takes a very strong person to rise up and truly start to live (maybe for the first time) their last days with meaning and passion.
The scarier question is, if you were given 6 months to live and you lived them as perfectly as you imagined and dreamed; what would you do if after 6 months you didn't die? Would you go back to your old ways? Would you be resentful? Would you be scared to continue your life of passion and meaning? Would you start worrying about the future again? Or, would you be eternally grateful and continue living each day as if it were your last?
Best to not dwell on the hypothetical, and to design and live your life every day to your fullest potential. Dream big. Imagine your possibilities. Don’t let the days go by without getting something from them. And most of all, make sure the people that you care about know that you care about them.
Scott
If you're not getting better, you're getting worse! Continuous learning and self-improvement are the keys to a long and prosperous life. Find out more at iLearningGlobal
Monday, January 12, 2009
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1 comment:
I love this message and agree whole-heartedly. I was given a diagnosis of cancer 18 months ago. It was actually a blessing since I discovered that I was in total peace with the news. I knew my life had been well lived with no regrets. My surgical course and recovery were easy carrying a very positive attitude. I am now cancer-free and still loving life!
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