The days we have left

So my cousin's fiancé died unexpectedly this past weekend.  After a normal day; he went to sleep and didn't wake up.  He was 41.  This, as you can imagine, has thrown my family into a tailspin - especially my cousin and his children.  We all know that we are going to die, but I think many of us in our heart of hearts don't think it is going to happen to us.  That we are somehow going to be the exception to the rule... or is that just me?

I think we are all a bit fearful of death and as I mother, I can't even go there when it comes to my children.  Yet, it is so hard to not take life for granted.  To truly appreciate each day and use our time wisely.  To treat our bodies and minds with respect, care, and love.  I have a feeling that I am someday going to regret spending so many hours watching TV, drinking too much Diet Coke, eating too many unhealthy foods, not appreciating my body and all that it can do.  Change is so challenging.  Especially long term changes.

I am making a conscious effort to focus on the positive things in my life, to do things that make me and my loved ones happy, to be there for my friends and family, to let go of hurt and anger, to work on accomplishing things that are important to me with the time I have left.  Easier said than done, but I already feel a little lighter just writing this.  Set goals, write them down, work towards them every day, that's the key.  The only thing that truly matters to me are the people in my life.  I have to remember that.

"Carrying around resentment is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to die".  I love that quote - I don't know who said it, but he or she gets it!