Living Like You're Dying

The message, "live like you're dying" can be found in song lyrics, poems, movies, and literature everywhere. But, how many of us actually give credence to the concept? Occasionally, in the face of tragedy, we stop and take stock of all we have been blessed with in this life and may even make the effort, for a while, to pay close attention to the simple joys in life. Then, it's back to life as usual, carrying on our normal routines.
What if you were told you only had a short time left in this world? What would you change? Recently, someone very dear to me, came face-to-face with how precious and fragile life really is. That experience has caused me to re-evaluate some things in my own life.
Since there are no guarantees of tomorrow, I have decided to shift my perception and to start making some changes in my own life. If I were to discover that my days here were numbered, there are quite a few things I'd begin doing differently. So, why wait? Why not make the changes now? If we all stopped to figure out what is truly important in our lives and focus on the areas we value most, imagine how much richer life would be.
Don't wait until you have no choice. Make the commitment to begin living every day as if there were no more tomorrows. Start small at first, then build up to the significant changes. Or, make the major changes first, then work on the little things. Whichever direction you choose, don't stop. We can't change our past. We have no promises of a future. We can change today! Catch up with an old friend. Thank someone you often take for granted, for their time and effort. Hug someone special. Start a journal of stories you want to share with your friends or family. Take more photos and print them. Reach out to someone who is having a rough day. Return emails and phone calls. Don't use "maybe". Take 10 minutes to be alone and think kind thoughts about yourself. Ask for what you need. Give what you can.
And most importantly, Love with all your heart, even when you're afraid of being hurt.