There's been a lot of hype about the end of the world happening on May 21, 2011. Then, there is the doomsday prophesy for 2012, which was worthy of a Hollywood movie. I was surprised to hear of the extent that people were taking these prophesies seriously. One man
cashed in his savings for signage, while another couple quit their jobs to promote this. One person interviewed on the radio said it was freeing not to worry about his mortgage and job situation. He was just worried about his friends and family not being "saved." It sounded like a very escapist mentality to me - no need to worry about responsibilities because it will all disappear.
The one benefit to these doomsday prophecies is that it makes one stop for a second to think "What if they are right? What if it all disappears tomorrow? Why am I at work when I should be in Paris cafe with my loved ones?" Of course, if it all disappears, there should be no regrets as the world has lived its course. I think it's more difficult if you're the one disappearing, and others live on, which is the struggle for people who are terminally ill.
I read this article in New Zealand Herald and loved the author's
words:
Make it count tomorrow. Do all the things that matter to you, do nothing else. Write letters, spill secrets, make declarations, hold your beloved in your arms.
But why are we waiting until the end of the world? We have no guarantees on tomorrow. Why not tell people you love how you feel? That's simple enough, isn't it?
There's a scene in
the movie "Madagascar II" when the plane is crashing and they all believe they will die. So, the characters are revealing their secrets (you're a true friend, I broke your iPod). Melman (the giraffe) shouts to Gloria (the hippo) how he loves her and always has. They survive and it's ... awkard.
That's the fear we have about our tomorrows. What if the truth is revealed and it becomes awkward. There's no way out and we have to live within that framework each day. On the other hand, what if it doesn't and becomes more authentic? No surprises.
Each morning, I have inspiring quotes from Dalai Lama and Paulo Coelho on my Facebook page (go to their page and "Like" them). I suppose the "Rapture" news hit Senor Coelho which prompted the message:
Don't live every day as if it were your last. Live every day as if it were your first."
How beautiful is that? Look at everything with excitement and opportunities for growth. Again, why wait until our personal end is near to make those changes?
We should look at changes happening as a beginning, not the end. I had a discussion with a colleague about some work. People always say "In case I get hit by a truck, I want to make sure someone else knows this." I'm tired of people saying "hit by a truck". The phrase to use is "In case I win the lottery and don't come back." It's more positive!
Speaking of winning lotteries, this is another barometer that I gauge my happiness on. When I was in my 20's, I used to work in NYC. I used to commute 2 hours door-to-door (car, train, 2 subways, walk). There was a big lottery at that time, and I thought to myself "If I win, I'd live in NYC." It hit me then that I loved my job, enjoyed it enough to keep doing it even if I was financially secure; I'd only eliminate my stressful commute and get that awesome NYC apartment. Unfortunately, when I play this game now, I would most definitely quit my job and focus on my writing, traveling or going to school to learn something new. Why not do it now? (Girl, you're talking about living your life like there's no tomorrow! Helloo!). It's just the practical side of security and providing for my family. There is a tomorrow. There is a mortgage and we do need healthcare coverage.
While I can't make a drastic move to quit my job and cash in my savings, I do want to live like each day is my first and try to say yes to new opportunities and experiences. That's how you live a life with no regrets.
My apologies for an erratic post! I haven't written in a while and have lots of thoughts!
