Every morning we have 24 brand new hours to live. What a precious gift!”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh
This was a difficult holiday season for many people I know. I had two coworkers lose their spouses in accidents the day before and the day after Thanksgiving. As I write this column, I still am stunned and heartsick for their families. But I feel selfish as I mourn for them, I am sad for the people who passed away, for their families, especially the pain the people that I know and like are going through, but I feel selfish because I feel sad for me too, or maybe it’s not for me, but I feel deep sadness. I think it is very human to attach yourself to other people’s pain and emotions. That’s why Hallmark commercials and ads for saving the starving children and abused animals are so effective.
In a way, our compassion, albeit painful, is something that we should feel very grateful for. It connects us as human beings and it reminds us of what we need to feel thankful and grateful for in our lives. When we hear of a tragedy, especially involving someone we know, it makes most of us start mentally going through our minds of everyone that we care about, and our concern for their well-being. What I’ve been trying to do is to attach gratefulness to those thoughts, rather than panic and anxiety. I haven’t been entirely successful, but in some ways it has helped.
It also makes us realize that we have a lot of work to do in the world. Life is short, sometimes too short, and by procrastinating we aren’t doing ourselves any favors. Live the life that you want people to remember you by. Now… If being healthier is something you keep meaning to work on, start now. Start right now. Make your next meal a clean one. Go to the gym as soon as possible. Get closer to your family. Finish the project you keep putting off. I know it’s easier said than done sometimes because most of the things that we procrastinate about are things that we have some fear attached to. Fear of failure, sometimes fear of success. Fear of not having support that we need. Fear that we won’t be able to do it, or if we lose weight, we will have to give up something else like a social life, enjoyment, bonding time with our family. I often analyze what’s keeping me from my goals and some are harder to figure out than others. The pile of laundry and unpacked boxes that seem to follow me around for years don’t seem to have a clear fear attached to them but maybe it is a fear of commitment and settling down. Maybe it is a fear of being too domesticated by doing all the housework and somehow losing my toughness. There are other things I keep putting off that I need to take a look at to find the barrier that I need to get around or a new path to take toward my goal.
What have you been putting off? Seize the day today. Carpe Diem.
Liz Jones is the Wellness Coordinator for the City of Mesquite and a wellness professional in Rockwall, Mesquite, Wylie and surrounding areas. She is a writer, certified yoga instructor, personal trainer and wellness coach. She holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Management, with a graduate certificate in Ethics and Leadership. Her undergraduate studies included communication, business, writing, art, fitness, and dance. Liz Jones can be reached at: [email protected].