Every moment is an opportunity to realize and embrace our ability to change the course we are on and choose a new path.
I recently read a book called the ‘Twelve Pillars’ followed a week later by a post from a new friend that was a reminder of the principles in the book. Kind of crazy how that works sometimes…similar messages from different sources that drive the point home. The book and message have helped me come to grips with one of the main issues that I’ve been struggling with over the past year, part of which I’m sharing with you today.
12/4/10 Sharing My thoughts for the day…with a heart filled with sadness.
Life always gives us clues.
Whenever I experience pain, I know it’s an opportunity for a course correction, an opportunity to choose again. To direct my sails in a direction that supports my core values and greater potential.
I had a phone call this morning that has caused deep sadness and tears on and off since. It was from the daughter of one of my oldest and dearest friends. Mark was diagnosed with Dementia this past year. His daughter called to tell me that the disease appeared to be progressing very quickly, and that he could no longer live by himself. They were moving him to Florida so that he would be near his family and they could manage his care.
The night before Thanksgiving I saw a glimpse of what this disease is like …my husband Scott and I went to visit with Mark & his daughter Amy. They were leaving in the morning for Florida, and I didn’t know if or when I would see him again. Mark has been a part of our family for over two decades and has spent most Thanksgivings with us as his daughters and their families live in Florida. This year, things would forever change.
Mark and I had spoke on the phone several times over the previous weeks and he always sounded so good, we had great conversations, just like the old days…so it was hard for me to accept that my friend may one day not know me. The night before our visit when we spoke on the phone there were moments that he didn’t make sense but nothing drastic. The night of our visit was the fist time I experienced what his daughters had warned me about…we were sitting on the sofa chatting, everything was fine, and then, for no apparent reason, nothing he was telling me made sense. The reality of the situation that I had tried so hard to avoid believing was driven home and I choked back the tears as I sat next to him on the sofa.
Deep sorrow, and pain, for his family, and the choices that they were now faced with flood my mind and heart. Along with deep regret for all the moments that I missed out on over the past year…time that could have been spent sharing a cup of coffee, lunch, a glass of wine during happy hour at his favorite place…moments that I’ll never be able to get back.
The lesson that has been driven home to me repeatedly over the past several months is that life is short. We can’t get time back…it is one commodity that once it’s spent it’s gone forever.
The harsh reality for me is that I need a course correction…things that matter most must not be allowed to be pushed aside…hoping that there will be more time for them on another day when my schedule isn’t so full and life isn’t so busy.
I hope you’ll indulge me as I share snippets of the last chapter of a book that I recently finished called “Twelve Pillars”by Jim Rohn and Chris Widener
Perhaps like me, after reading the following story, you too, will see the need to make a course correction
Dear Michael,
If you’re reading this, then it means that I am no longer here. I wanted to share the final Pillar of Success with you personally, over coffee in the workshop, just like old times. But the very fact that I am not here makes the case for how important the last Pillar is.
One thing I realized this past year is how short life is. It seemed like yesterday that I was a schoolboy, playing with my friends. It seems such a short time ago that I fell in love with Sandra and we began our family. By the way, you finally met Sandra, I’m sure. She is a beautiful and incredible woman, Michael. I was so blessed to have shared this life with her.
Such a short time ago I was building my businesses and selling them, building my fortune. And even when I finally retired fifteen years ago it felt like I had so much time left.
The brevity of life is its biggest surprise.
So what to make of all the Pillars I have taught you so far – the very Pillars of Success that have guided my life so well? They all wrap up nicely and are perfected by the final Pillar.
Leave a Legacy.
We are all but breezes of the wind that blow through this world. Here one day and gone the next. No one knows how long they will live.
You cannot choose how long you will live, Michael, but you can choose how well you live.
We must live out the philosophies we passionately believe in and have been sharing with others. In doing so, we give each of them the credence they need to be effective.
So many people waste their short lives here and then spend their final days weighted down by regret. There is no more time to go back and redo their lives. There is nothing left but a wish for more time – a wish that will never be fulfilled.
We all have two choices as we live: We can make a living or we can design a life. There are many who spend their lives making a living. They go off to work each day with no vision for what their life could become. And before they know it, their lives are over. And some are so fearful that the dreams they do have will forever go unfulfilled because they never have the courage to take a risk that would enable them to reach their goals and live their dreams.
Live a life that will help others spiritually, intellectually, physically, financially, and relation-ally. Live a life that serves as an example of what an exceptional life can look like.
Let others lead small lives, Michael, but not you. Let others argue over small things, but not you. Let others cry over small hurts, but not you. Let others leave their future in someone else’s hands, but not you.
My legacy is fulfilled in part by teaching you how to live your best life. Your legacy will be to do the same for others. Give yourself. Sacrifice for the good of others. Take the time to help others and to teach them. Be patient, loving and loyal.
This is my good-bye, my friend. I am glad to have met you. You are a wonderful young man with a kind and generous heart. You have touched my heart, and hopefully, I have touched yours with an indelible impression that will help you create your own lasting ripple.
Your Friend,
Mr. Charlie Davis
I share Charlie’s desire to live a life that will help others spiritually, intellectually, physically, financially and relation-ally…so I’ll keep that goal forever in my sights and adjust the course as needed.
Food for thought…when someone comes to mind that’s a prompt for you to reach out…take a minute to send a text, send an email or make a phone call just to let them know that you’re thinking about them.
Here is the link to the book if you’re interested in a good read and inspiration https://amzn.to/2SZTdqb
Cheers to creating your best life!
Wendy