Ask yourself…
“What will I most regret on my deathbed?
It’s a sobering thought. The older we get, the more we understand how quickly our lives pass. One of the best ways to re-focus our priorities is to imagine how we will view life many years from now.
If I will someday see death approaching like a shadow looming at the end of the road, what will I wish I had done differently?
Working in the nursing field, and mostly with the elderly, I’ve sat with patients who were alert just before they began actively dying. I’ve assisted patients who’ve lost the ability to care for themselves in the most basic ways. For those who’ve been able to share their life experiences and lessons through words, the themes are universal. “Go for your dreams. Don’t wait. Life passes quickly. In the end, all that matters is your family. It can all change in an instant. You never think you’ll be in my position.” Even the patients who lost their ability to speak and could communicate regret through their eyes seemed to plead, “Don’t take your health for granted.”
Hungry for health.
It’s easy to become caught up in busyness, rushing from one obligation to the next. But are they only excuses for us to procrastinate, and shy away from what’s important?
When I’m on my deathbed, what will my thoughts be? I can’t imagine wishing I had spent more time numbing in front of electronics, or fighting with those I loved. I would hate to regret not pursuing my passions and dreams sooner. I know I want to be overjoyed that I learned to be at peace with living in “the now.”
So, what if it’s only fear stopping us? What if we’re hungry? What if we’re trying to fill a sharp hunger that can only be satisfied by devouring our purpose?
Our Higher Power (whoever or whatever that is for you – I respect everybody’s ability to make their choice) uncovers our purpose. If we find it in our Higher Power, we won’t search for our purpose by committing to things only so long as they serve us and our time-consuming, but unimportant, goals. We commit to our priorities because we know there’s only one shot at this thing called “life.”
Our primary devotion to doing what we do is because we have found fulfillment through our belief in our Higher Power, and that drives us to live a peace-centered, generous life.
Life isn’t about trying to find fulfillment in a better job, a higher position, a new relationship, more possessions, or moving to a new location. It’s about recognizing that everything you have in front of you is “enough” to feel fulfilled in who you are right now. It’s about seeing the blessings of each moment in front on us, because you know life is short.
Ask yourself, “Am I hungry? What am I craving? Am I fulfilling my purpose so that my focus is straight?”
Keep your steely gaze on your priorities. They’re standing right in front of you. Your purpose, your kids, your family. The moment in which your spirit is currently floating. The people who laugh and cry with you, and love you unconditionally. In our last moments, all that will travel with us to the other side will be our memories. Make them count.