I lost someone I loved today. And as I sit here writing to you, sipping on my delicious maladaptive coping skill, I reminisce, and I suffer. I yearn for that final hug and exchange of words now forever left unsaid. The cancer ravaged her body in 9 months from detection to death. A seemingly healthy woman with many years left was quick to leave this world.
And as I suffer, I wonder. How would I spend my final months? Am I doing exactly what I want to be doing? If I was given 9 months, how would I spend it? Nine months to achieve a goal seems like forever, but nine months left of life seems unfair.
Are you living the life you want? Losing my sister was the greatest catalyst for change in my life. I decided to discontinue working in a field that was triggering and traumatizing. A career that had taken me over a decade to achieve. And I began to pursue a passion for writing. Aside from being completely and utterly devastated, days like to today remind me this was one of the best decisions of my life.
If I was given 270 days, I can promise you, I would be writing every single one of them. What will you do with your remaining time on this earth? I will wallow in my despair and allow myself to be broken, but I will find purpose in the pain. The finality of death reminds us of the potential for life. Are you utilizing every moment to pursue endeavors that bring you joy, fulfillment, peace?
Days like today remind me that life is about more than surviving. We have the option to thrive, in any situation we’re in. Perspective and gratitude are all we need. Have you ever met a thankful person who wasn’t happy? I’ve always wondered if they knew a little bit more about life than the rest of us.
Jacqueline Pinchuk 