There is a gift in each day, some days the gift is more clearly visible. Today I was reminded of just how magnificent and precious life is.
Today I went to a wedding. It was a small, intimate and beautiful affair. It was a wedding that was organised with only a days notice, which is not an easy feat! Anyone who has had the pleasure and frustration of organising a wedding will attest to that.
We met outside the chapel. The groom and bride were both nervous. We entered the peaceful chapel, accompanied by soothing piano music and the bride looked beautiful with her special dress and bouquet of pink roses.
There were the typical emotions you expect at a wedding: love, joy, excitement, nerves, relief. By the end of the ceremony there was not a dry eye in the room. The words of the vows “till death do us part” and “as long as we both shall live” held special significance today. This was not an ordinary wedding. The average wedding is not conducted in a hospital chapel, guests mingling with nurses, like this one was. Two days ago the groom was told that he only had 6 months left to live. It is a terrifying and sobering prospect to face, both for the groom and those of us who love him.
The bride and groom have loved and supported each other for the last 20 years and chose to formalise their commitment today. A wedding, amongst other things, like time out together, a holiday, a special treat, has not been a priority for them. It was always pushed to the back burner and day to day life took over.
It can happen to all of us. We get so caught up in the daily living that we forget what is important. Each of us values different things. Whatever is important for you, is perfect: family, career success, connection, contribution, anything. It doesn’t matter what it is, each day is an opportunity to express that. Take the time every day to be mindful of it. Don’t wait for bad news to be moved to prioritise it.
What would you do and how would you choose to live your life it you only had a few months to live? What will you do? Who will you spend your time with? What will you say to those that you love? Who will you forgive? What will you make peace with? What will you let go of? What will your legacy be? What are you holding onto from the past that is holding you back (it has exceeded its use by date – let it go!)? What brings you joy? What makes you feel alive? What are you grateful for? What will you celebrate?
We don’t need to wait for the big occasions like birthdays and anniversaries to celebrate. Celebrate what you already have and who you are. There is so much joy in any given moment, just take a minute to reflect on all the gifts that already present in your world: A safe place to sleep at night, the morning sun on your face, friends and loved ones that are in your life. Find 5 things each day and give thanks for them.
Sure we all have challenges – that is part of the human experience. Accept that we are all horribly human. We make mistakes, we let people down, we say and do silly things and we have expectations that are not always met. Forgive yourself and others for the mistakes of the past, and vow to do better in the present.
Be brave, put yourself out there and your heart on the line. Don’t worry about what others might think of you or say about you. Whether your actions get you the desired outcome, know in your heart that you stepped up and made a stand for something you believed in.
Whether it be telling someone you love them, or that you are sorry, or how special they are to you. Be the person who is courageous enough to stand for something extraordinary in life. Your actions will inspire others to step up in their lives and speak their truth.
There is never a more perfect time to stand up and live your best life than in this moment now.
Take action, make a commitment and prioritise yourself!!
This is dedicated to my Uncle Warren and Aunty Glenys. Your courage, generosity and vulnerability has moved me to overcome my fears. I love you!
May all of our time left be a celebration!
janet