Photo found here by Jon Matthies
My friend Sarah shared this new blog that she started the other day.The sum of it is that her daughter read her “her fortune” and told her that she only had five months to live. So Sarah is being really intentional with her next five months.
I can’t get it out of my head since I read it. It has caused me to pause so many times over the last few days. It has caused me to say a big fat YES to things I might not have just a couple days ago. It has also caused me to say NO to the things that I don’t want to spend my time on. It’s making me think about what happens in my life every day and the huge amount of things that I get to decide.
Five months from now will be my 38th birthday. Coincidence? I think not.
Aren’t we all dying. Don’t we all have a numbered amount of days? But the bigger question… are we all living? Are we truly living and breathing and eating and soaking up all that this world has to offer? Are we walking in the things we’re called to do? Are we making a difference? Are we producing and not just consuming?
A giant shift has occurred for me in these last couple days. I have less of a desire to be on facebook and more of a desire to have face to face conversation with my kids, my husband, the clerk at the store and the homeless guy at the farmer’s market. I have less of a desire for superficial things, empty connections and bland food. I want more life in these next five months and beyond.
So what does that look like for me? Practically? I’m simplifying my facebook and my instagram. I’m writing letters and making more phone calls. I’m going for bike rides in the heat of the day, with all of my kids. I’m making a whistle playlist. I’m leaving the phone in the car when I go on a date with my husband and showing up fully. I’m planning road trips. I’m taking more photos, not to share but to capture. I’m wearing my date night clothes to the library. I’m opting out of “following” or accepting. I’m having the margarita. I’m inviting the kids into my room to hang out. I’m meeting Denise at the park. I’m planning our next step AND taking it.
Here’s to a life fully lived, with the people I love and to every adventure along the way.
Thoughtful post Mama! Live on!!!!
I read that same blog post from Sarah and was encouraged. Hearing your thoughts on this is even more inspiring. Oh how I long to play and enjoy and not feel weighted by tasks. Because what really matters, time with your loves, or time vacuuming the entire house? What will they remember? I think it’s time to for me to dig deep. Write down thoughts, desires. Take action and go for it. Thank you my friend.
I need to do more of these things that you speak of. I need to LIVE.
Sometimes it freaks me out how we are on the same “page” at similar times! I had not read this blog you mentioned before today (but what a neat concept)… but in the last week or so I have simplified my facebook, written some letters and mailed them, been more “active” in general instead of sitting at my laptop… realizing the journey/adventure is what I make it. I don’t want to have any regrets! Thanks for sharing!
Great thoughts. Thanks for sharing. Really made me think….
Nice post! (and thanks for the attribution for my photo!)
so awesome! i always think in terms of how each day is one day closer to death but only recently (like very recently) started to figure out what it meant to live and be alive despite the knowledge that it could all just end at any given moment. i’ve touched up the subject a lot lately, actually, and am also finding myself wanting to limit internet time (facebook can be such a timesuck and it’s so unnecessary) and just be present and available and have tangible, real experiences but most importantly, share genuine moments with my husband and children every day. mutiple times per day. in the midst of balancing working for my husband, homeschooling, and preparing for an art festival i have had to force myelf to slow down and focus on what matters, although i’m glad in today’s episode of procrastination i came across your blog and your friend, sarah’s