No one can find the rewind button, girl...
I love that song. And I so wish there was a rewind button. Yesterday, an old friend of mine died unexpectedly. I hadn't seen her in years, though I'd been in touch recently with her husband, also an old friend (actually, he was my friend first). We used to work together when we were in our 20's; we were at each others' weddings; we hung out most weekends for several years. She was sweet and funny and kind. She was loving and much loved - by her friends, her family, and most of all, her husband and son (who is Ryan's age). I'm so sad for all of them. And I'm stunned that another person my age has died.
Over the weekend, I found out that a girl I went to high school with died of cancer. Just a couple of months ago, a guy from my class died of a heart attack, not long after running a road race (one of many over the previous year). And some of you might remember my friend Mark's death last fall, as I posted about him a couple of times.
For the last year, my Aunt Jean, one of my favorite people on the planet, has battled an awful cancer that nearly got the best of her... but it didn't. I'm happy to say she's in remission, for which I'm unbelievably grateful.
All these events have made me realize how easy it is to get caught up in our day-to-day existence... how easy it is to simply forget just how fragile and fleeting Life really is.
But it is fragile. It is fleeting. We're not here for long, even though days and weeks and years (especially those when we're dealing with the darker parts of Life) can sometimes seem interminable.
In light of this realization, I posted some advice on my Facebook page this morning. I don't always take my own advice but I'm really going to try this time...
~ Find your passions and pursue them.
~ Pick your causes and give your time and energy - give yourself - to them.
~ The people you love? Love them extraordinarily well.
~ The people you don't? Let them go.
~ The people you love but who don't love you back? Let them go, too.
~ Remember that you deserve the best from Life and those in your life.
~ Remember that you owe Life, others, and yourself the very best of you.
~ Be kind to yourself. Forgive yourself for your shortcomings.
~ Forgive others. Don't hold on to hurt and anger and grudges and regrets.
~ Take care of yourself, body and spirit, and be here for as long as possible - whole, healthy, and happy as possible!
Life is like an hourglass, glued to the table, and no one can find the rewind button...
Live so you don't need one, my friends.
Much, much love, Diane... XOXO
17 comments:
Beautifully written. Thank you for the reminder. I needed it today.
Good advice... so well stated. Every bit of what you said resonated with me. It's all about perspective...
it's especially hard to lose someone close in age, I had a really close friend die some years ago. We hadn't seen each other in some time because she was home in England I am here but her passing cut me so deep I could barely stand it.
Life is fragile, your advice should be heeded. I hope your heart heals soon.
I am so sorry about the passing of your friend. Your words of wisdom resonate with me in many ways. Especially, "be kind to yourself." I can bloody myself badly sometimes. Thanks, Diane.
Sometimes Life chooses the most painful ways to remind us about what is important and forces us to set our priorities straight.
xo
So many beautiful lives are being taken. Your advice is well received my friend.
"Remember that you deserve the best from Life and those in your life.
~ Remember that you owe Life, others, and yourself the very best of you"
Remember these two and you have all the rest. Such good advice for every single day - hoping you find happy places in each day to nourish you for the duration of the dark spots.
All good advice! I especially like "live so you don't need one" I will remember that!
Thanks
Hugs
SueAnn
Important words to remember, life passes more quickly than we realise so get the best out of every day and be the best we can be... thanks for sharing Diane. xoxo ♡
I just did a group yesterday on the importance of taking care of your mind body AND spirit, because when one is out of alignment, they all are. Well-written. Miss you!
Terrific advice my friend. Very wise, indeed.
Have I told you lately that I love you? Cause I do.
This is beautiful, my friend. A great reminder I really do try to live by the things you mentioned, but one I really need to work on is the taking care of myself part.
So sorry for your losses.
Although it is a cliché, I have to say it, Carpe Diem! It is very true.
Great advice for anyone.
When I hear about people dying at any age, but especially those younger than me, I, too am reminded how very fragile life is. I read of new (to me) illnesses almost every day. I hear of someone who had a small injury that got out of control or a perfectly healthy person who just happened to trip and suffer a deadly head injury. Then of course are those who have suffered for years battling a debilitating diseases. When I really think of all the things that can happen that could cause death, it is a wonder that anyone lives past age 20, isn't it.
I am so sorry for the losses you have been through! and it is so true, there is no rewind! what a beautiful post!
Always wise words from you, Diane dear heart, and it's been a bit of a bugger for us all lately in Blogland, non??! Sorry to hear about your middle school heartbreak, very sorry... You know you are strong and beautiful, and your soul twinkles like a star - Heed yourself, and I shall try to hear your words and hold them in mind too. Love you lots, Fhi xxx
Diane,
I just saw this. The loss of Jo Ellen was the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with. Your advice is spot on and, even with such a tremendous loss, I am reminded that life goes on and I have something very important that needs me as much as I need him: Chase. Losing his Mom hasn't been easy, but we've had each other and it has helped.
Thanks for the reminders.
Post a Comment