At least once a year, I imagine that I am about to die. Looking back as truthfully as I can at my entire life, I give full attention to the things I wish hadn’t occurred. Recognizing these mistakes honestly but without self-recrimination, I try to rejoice in the innate wisdom that allows me to see so bravely, and I feel compassion for how I so frequently messed up. Then I can go forward. The future is wide open, and what I do with it is up to me. -Pema Chodron
And because I wouldn't be me if I didn't juxtapose something thoughtful with something silly, I got an early birthday card yesterday. It read: I used to live each day as if it were my last, but people got tired of me screaming, "I'm going to die! I"m going to die!" It's your birthday, be as dramatic as you want. (Thanks for the laugh, Nancy.)
So, do with those two paragraphs what you will.
I'm off to do something with my future!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
One more quote for you, this time, from Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford commencement speech.
ReplyDeleteRegardless, don't live your life as a countdown to death, but with each day as a blessing.
I remember the marble story from your posting last spring; what an odd way to live, eh?
ReplyDeleteAs for Mr. Jobs... his speech feels like it has reached urban legend status the past few weeks, doesn't it? Except it really happened... so maybe it's just been entered into the cultural lexicon.
I'm with Bob--every day above ground IS a good day.
I think it is wise to occasionally reflect on one's mortality. We all know we won't live forever... but most of us want to live a long time... and none of us wants to die.
ReplyDeleteSomehow I think it sharpens our focus when we recognize how little time we have left to live... and there is so many things still on our to-do list.