A few good souls have left us this month, and we’ve seen some close calls with a few others we hold dear. It’s left me thinking about time, and how easily we forget that it’s not a given.
I saw this post on Instagram the other day, maybe you did too, the one that says:
“Love your fcking life. Take pictures of everything. Do things you’re scared to do. Make your life the best story in the world. Don’t waste that sht.”
I’m not sure who said it and it’s lofty, I know, but it hit me. Because YES!
Because we forget that nothing is truly promised, and slip into autopilot, carelessly postponing, or waiting for the just the right time. We save the good china or that special bottle for someday. We put off the important thing until tomorrow. We delay the celebration, hold back the words, promising ourselves we’ll say it next time—we’ll have the chance.
Around my 50th birthday, my friend Shelley asked me what my word was—the word that would carry me into this next chapter. Without thinking, I said “now.” On that birthday, she gave me a beautiful, gold necklace with that very word engraved on it. Just three little letters, but they pack a punch. I wear it every day, and it serves as a reminder not to let fear, doubt, or busyness stall me. A reminder to paint what I’m afraid to paint. To gather my people and plan the celebration. To say “yes” to the trip. To use the good glassware. To finish that retreat book. To take that new path in the forest. To say the thing that’s been stuck in my throat.
Because, as my endlessly inspiring friend, Laura Bradbury says, "life doesn’t promise us later”.
Love, Laura
