The biggest mistake we make – we think we have time.
Undeniable fact: One day, this human existence of ours will end. Any day.
Being fully cognisant of this fact, how should we live?
Can anyone really tell us? Ultimately, only we know.
So, we are not going to get caught up in a World of Shoulds here but take this opportunity to reflect upon how we can live now, without building and accumulating new regrets.
Today I wrote a letter to an estranged member of my family after two years of awkwardness. I put my hand forward in friendship and love, sharing my perspective and my desire to be close to them, while respecting their freedom to choose, whatever that might be. I did this for myself. If Death was to visit tomorrow, I would have regretted not having reached out to them.
Yes. I had to shift out of my comfort zone, but it meant something to me to express my love and desire despite everything. They deserve to know the truth, and it would be inauthentic of me to withhold sentiments that might heal the relationship and us both.
Afterall, one day, this life will end. When that fact is uppermost in my awareness, my vulnerability is solid and my pride liquifies. The voice of my inner wish to deepen connections is louder than the “I am right!”. My empathy is alive and I can be present to the fragility of this human state. I can smile at everything, the clothes drying in the sun, the tall grass swaying in the breeze, the hills on the horizon, the dog asleep at my feet.
Sooner or later, perhaps we have to give up hope for a better past.
We have the power to allow whatever happened to shape us, mould us, carve us into containers of compassion, understanding and generosity. We owe it to ourselves to be fully expressed and live true to our values, keeping our hearts open.
So, do we really have time?
Or is Now, the time?