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Everything.
I received some horrible news this morning. I can't say what. I won't say what. But it's changed me. And I mean, from one moment to the next, I feel ... weird. I'm sad. And I'm angry at myself for not truly understanding that this thing called life is just so vulnerable. I mean, I've thought it before. I've openly said it before. I've vowed to take one day at a time before, to live life to the fullest and blah blah blah, and really believed that I believed it. But today ... I truly believe it.
So my message to myself today (and to you) is do what makes you happy because you never know what is around the corner. This piece of advice sounds so stupid and clichéd and insignificant, doesn't it? How many times have we heard people say that to us? But have you really understood it? Have you REALLY understood what it means?
Today I have. This moment ... it is stitching itself to every single cell in my body as we speak.
From now on, there is no future. The future is now. Tell yourself this every day. And make yourself believe it. Because one day, 'now' will just be over. And there'll be no turning back.
Say it to yourself out loud right this minute. "The future is now." And repeat it every morning. And ask yourself, "Does what I'm doing right now make me happy?" If the answer is no. Make a change. I'm serious. Make. A. Change.
Disclaimer: Nothing has happened to me. I'm fine. It's someone who is close to me.
We hear this all the time. But until you experience or see someone experience something life changing it doesn't truly sink in! I hope everything is okay. ((hugs))
ReplyDeleteHi Jessica .. a very strong, powerful post - and something we should all sit up and take note of .. As Laura says - I hope you are alright .. with many thoughts - Hilary
ReplyDeleteI remember when my father died, and my family was grieving, and it was a dark place as we arranged all the funeral stuff, and then this one morning I walked outside and the air was crisp and clean and this white light glittered down and reflected perfectly off the new snow that had fallen, and the whole word was aglow, as if a halo had fallen down to ring my parents' neighbourhood. And it just made me remember light and beauty and that there was important things yet I had to see. I had to live and to appreciate that living.
ReplyDeleteThat was my moment, and I will remember it as long breath whistles in my lungs.
Some things that happen in life just give you a swift whack upside the head don't they? Advice duly noted and thanks for passing it on. Take care.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for whatever your terrible news is, but I think you're taking the perfect attitude. We should celebrate where we are right now, rather than grieve for where we weren't, even if only a moment ago.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to meet a fellow author/singer/songwriter. What you said is so true. Thanks for reminding us. I'm sorry to hear your sad news.
ReplyDeleteAs you know, Jess, I changed my life because of the in-between crap that goes on. Life is far too short and must be lived in the present. I feel I am living my life for those who can no longer enjoy theirs.
ReplyDeleteI remember exactly where I was standing, what time it was on June 7 2001 when that moment came for me.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your news, whatever it is.
Please take care of yourself and know we are thinking of you and that someone you love.
You know, you're right...and I don't think I've had my moment yet. That sounds bad, like I don't appreciate what I have. And I do. I so do. And I try to remember that the future is NOW. I try to remember that sage advice we hear all the time...but it's so very easy to take it all for granted.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry that you've received such news, however. The hope is that we get through somehow without receiving news that give us that moment - that we just know it instinctively without having to learn it.
*hugs*
Every day, I am reminded of your strength, your compassion, and your literary gift - and I am honoured to be your friend. Your ability to take something so difficult in your life and turn it into a powerful, positive reminder for the rest of us is inspirational and admirable. As always, I am here for whatever you need. Love you, big, sweetie. XOXO
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about whatever happened. *hugs* It's a great reminder that the future is now, and there really is never enough time.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, it's usually the saddest, most difficult things that remind us of this fact. I have felt it, and forgotten it, and felt it again. I hope you and yours are as well as you can be.
ReplyDeleteSorry about your bad news Jessica, but I agree, this is a message that I need to reflect on regularly. Time flies.
ReplyDeleteI'm reminded of that Michael Jackson song, "Man in the Mirror." We should be able to look at ourselves and make changes for the better.
ReplyDeleteHope your day improves.
So true! Reminds me of Steve Jobs' commencement address where he said that he would wake up every morning, look himself in the mirror and ask himself: "If I died today, would I be happy doing what I am doing?" And when the answer was no, he made a change.
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely easier said then done, especially when there are obligations and things you don't really WANT to do; but, if you at least do one thing everyday that makes you happy, excited, joyful, then you're doing ok. :)
I've got goosebumps after reading this. So for me, it's not cliche. I'm glad you're living--and living well.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're doing okay, and it's only your perception that's been thrown for a loop.
ReplyDeleteI totally understand. It took a major hurricane to get me writing again after so many years studying art. But I realized that if I didn't make time to do it right away, I might never. Since I've been on this path for six years now, the occasional reminder of why I'm doing this helps me stay focused, so thanks, Jessica!
Thinking of you at this time Jessica. Your words have said it all - life is truly a gift - whether we like the wrapping paper or not.
ReplyDeleteYears ago I went through a crisis and it made me appreciate my life and my family. You're right. We need to seize the moment and appreciate the little things of life and live life to the fullest.
ReplyDeleteI hope all turns out well for you.
I think about this a lot. Sometimes it hits me hard, like when bad news happens, and other times it's softer. But I think about it constantly, like there's a clock ticking in my head. All the time.
ReplyDeleteOkay...you scaring me and I'm concerned for you. To live life in a constant state of wonderment is not an easy chore. Sometimes we need the ones closest to give us a nudge let us know we're napping through a GREAT movie!
ReplyDeleteYes, celebrate each day, and savor time with loved ones and friends. This hit me particularly hard when my younger sister died a little over a year ago. Each day is a gift!
ReplyDeleteP.S. I am sorry that you've had sad news. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for whatever happened, Jessica. But you are right- sometimes it takes quite a shock to jar us into reality and just know that life is short. I think losing someone who is close would do that to me...sure, I've lost grandparents and such, but I can see how I would realize it if one of my best friends died or got cancer or something. We do have to remind ourselves to live life to the fullest. ((HUGS))
ReplyDeletesorry to hear of the bad news to someone close to you.
ReplyDeletei believe this. i've believed this most of my life. in fact, in my case it sort of worked against me. trying to fit in everything because i had to race against Time.
trying to fit everything is also steals away living.
i've learnt (work in progress) to do what makes me happy but also to embrace simplicity.
This is BEAUTIFUL! And yeah, I do realize it--and that very painful realization has made me who I am today. Every morning I wake up and say the same few (private) things to myself to "remember"!
ReplyDelete(((BIG HUGS)))
Thank you for the reminder, Jess. Thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteAnd the older I get the more truth your words have for me. You just never know what the future holds. It's good to be prepared, but no sense in worrying about it because plans have a way of falling apart or being much different than you had expected. The world keeps turning with or without you.
ReplyDeleteLee
An A to Z Co-Host
Tossing It Out
Twitter: @AprilA2Z
#atozchallenge
So true--The Future is Now. Makes me want to walk a little faster and think about the important stuff.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry, Jessica. For this life-altering event that has happened to you. It makes me sad for you. But I very much appreciate that you could turn this around and find the good in it. The future IS now. What a necessary reminder--I just wish it weren't at your expense. *HUGS*
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to you and your friend/family member. Sometimes life can strike you such cruel blows. I hope you all get through this.
ReplyDeleteAnd your advice is neither cliche, or stupid or insignificant. It's the best advice there is. I have been through moments like that and I know exactly what you mean.
Take care *hugs*
Something obviously happened to cause you to focus on this very true thing: live in the present moment. I tell myself this all the time so I won't worry about the future; so I won't worry about what may happen down the road with my disabled daughter. Fear kills faith. So I focus on my faith.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're fine. But what happens to someone close to us makes us feel as if it has happened to us.
Ann Best, Author of In the Mirror & Other Memoirs
Sorry to hear about your friend! It certainly does make you pause and assess your own life, doesn't it?
ReplyDelete*hugs*
Life IS too short. Gotta make the most of it.