Live Like You Were Dying

When you graduate from high school, people love to give you advice, share words of wisdom and tell you how different college is going to be. Despite all of this, there is one thing I was absolutely not prepared for when I came to college—death. It could be attributed to the fact that up until college I had never lost anyone close to me, nor had I lost anyone young. However, in talking to some friends of mine, it seems many of us feel the same way. Ever since we became collegiate students it seems that death surrounds us in a completely tangible way. 

Do you remember, in Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, when precious Bailey was dying and Tibby asked her if she was afraid? 

Not of dying, really. It's more that I'm afraid of time. And not having enough of it. Time to figure out who I'm supposed to be... to find my place in the world before I have to leave it. I'm afraid of what I'll miss. 

No matter how many times I watch that movie that part makes me think. She is afraid of what she'll miss. Aren't we all afraid of that? I feel safe in saying that most people have a bucket list. And yet as we make that list, we all assume that we will have years and years to complete the tasks on it. 

... but what if we don't? What if you were to find out there was a time-stamp on your life and it was sooner than you thought? Would you be living differently? It's a concept that is brought up time and time again in songs, movies and books, but when does it become real to us?

I challenge you today to take some time to think. Think of all of the ways that you spend your time. I know that I, personally, waste more time than I'd care to admit, doing things that neither benefit myself or others. When am I going to get around to doing all of the things that really matter? I came across a poem that I highly recommend you look up. It is called The Dash by Linda Ellis. Each time I read it I am taken by the beauty, clarity and wisdom of the thought behind it. I am slowly revolutionizing the way I think about life and time and, more importantly, the way I spend mine. Perhaps it will inspire you to do the same.