Make the Most of It

I can't believe we're almost through February already. The year has really only just begun and it's already flying by! All thoughts of Christmas presents and New Year's resolutions are long gone and we're all into whatever our next plans are.

Our year has already had some sad news - my older sister's wonderful husband unfortunately passed away after being diagnosed with a brain tumour late last year. He was only in his early fifties and probably had all sorts of plans for the future. It sparked even more awareness in me that we really do spend so much of our lives planning for the future with little awareness of just how little time we might have to make the most of those plans.

Not that I've been able to suddenly ditch work and start traveling or anything crazy like that - that's not where this is going. I still have bills to pay! I'm just making more of a conscious effort to enjoy my time NOW.

Do what I love and love what I do, appreciate every moment ... that sort of thing. It's not always easy, because everyday life can be a drag sometimes, but it's worth making the effort while you can. It's also important to not get bogged down in thinking that enjoying life has to involve significant or expensive changes. It can be really simple things.

I'm being more active, but also making the most of quiet "down time" when I have it. I'm appreciating nature, using more humour and not engaging as much in stressful conversations. I've discovered I'm also channeling my mother more, maybe because I miss her but also because she was never afraid to be herself and I miss that about her.

Actually, my younger sister commented recently that she is doing the same - we've both become more like Mum since she passed away. It's funny how we can take on certain qualities from those we love who have passed, and use them for positive change in our own lives.

This can be a good or a bad thing, depending on your point of view. I think we're both a little more outgoing now, which is great, but we've also adopted some of Mum's "no filter" quality that used to fascinate (and horrify!) us when we were out in public with her. We both get a chuckle out of it and honestly, I think it's a good thing. Life is too short to not be honest.

At my brother in law's funeral, my older sister (his wife) told us she is now looking at every issue that arises in her life using his experience; she calls it "Chris's Law". I'm paraphrasing here, but it basically goes: If you knew you only had three months to live, how much would this particular problem really matter?

He was always a pretty easy going guy anyway, the kind who took problems in his stride and could figure out what was really worth getting stressed about. But now, his family is using his death as a reminder to themselves to appreciate what really matters and not get too worked up over the rest.

Sounds like a good plan to me. Rest easy, Chris, and give Mum a hug for us xx