Seize the Day
I often wish I could convey what it feels like to have a near-death experience. If I could bottle the feelings and thoughts that come along with such an experience, I believe the world would be a better place because we would appreciate life that much more. For myself, my near-death experienced happened 5 years ago when I was involved in a major car accident where I was about 12 inches away from instant death. It made me re-evaluate what life means and I'd like to convey some of the lessons I've learned:
- SEIZE THE DAY. Life is too short for you to sit on your butt and expect that you'll get things done in the future. The reality is that we are never sure when our time is up. So, seize the day and at least do the things you want to do and try to reach your goals. It doesn't mean that you should try to do everything in a day, but at least be happy that you are doing things to get things done.
- SMILE. My philosophy since my car accident has been that if I die tomorrow, I will die with a smile on my face knowing that I lived my life as a happy person. By being a happy person, smiling is an important thing. Smile at a stranger passing on the street, say "thank you" to the store clerk when you buy your lunch, overall just be a pleasant person and treat people the way you would want them to treat you. You'd be surprised at how much people will appreciate your warmth and return it in kind.
- LOVED ONES. Surround yourself with your loved ones - family, friends, significant other. Appreciate them for who they are and never ask them to change. People don't change quickly. Let people change at their own pace and accept whatever changes occur. When the loved ones are in need, be there for them and provide support.
- SMALL STUFF. Don't sweat the small stuff. Many of us stress out about things we really shouldn't need to stress out about. A great book to read is by Dr. Richard Carlson and it is called "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...and it's all small stuff." It has lessons on how to keep the little things from taking over your life. Be willing to let go of the feelings of anger and anxiety of situations that you are in - nothing is ever that important to worry about.
- YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU. When life has flashed before your eyes, you realize that money isn't as important as you may think it is. Being comfortable and financially stable is one thing, but constantly thinking that being a millionaire/billionaire will make your life happier really isn't always true. You can be happy regardless of financial status, but you need to not associate happiness with money.