The passing away of people puts life in perspective. When someone young is no more, we often remark that life is too short. We live with this feeling because our mind is constantly throwing up things that we want to do and achieve, and we don’t always get what we desire. And even as we believe life is too short, how often do we sit back and reflect on how we are living this short life.
Life is too short to keep disputes unresolved and sometimes keep them dragging for decades. Of course we must stand up for our principles and work towards a fair settlement, but sometimes it makes sense to get closure, even if it means compromising and moving on. We often forget that the cost of not closing a dispute is sometimes far greater than the cost of compromising.
Life is too short to live by what other people think and constantly compare ourselves with others. Of course it is good to know what is happening around us, and sometimes assess our progress in a relative manner. However, our self-worth and happiness cannot come from the way the world perceives us but must come from our own inner security.
Life is too short to wait too long to do the things we really want to. Of course we must fulfill our responsibilities and live within our means, but to keep putting off for later what we really want to do is cheating ourselves of a fulfilled life.
Life is too short to keep worrying about the future and stressing about things not in our control. Of course we need to plan and look ahead and take care. But we need to be mindful that worry robs us of the precious present, which is what we really have.
Life is too short to hold onto grudges, anger, and regrets. Of course we must learn from our past, but we must not live in the past. Our ego loves living in its hurt and pride, but it is only when we love what life has to offer more than our self-importance, will we experience the beauty of being alive.
Life is too short for being over cautious and scared of taking a leap of faith. Of course we cannot be reckless, but to suppress our dreams just because we didn’t have the courage is not living at all. Not all our dreams will come true, but we won’t know which ones did if we don’t dare to try.
Life is too short to hold back if we feel like reaching out and caring for someone. Of course we need to be mindful that we don’t interfere, but we need not wait and overthink things to express our care.
Nobody knows what tomorrow will bring, and nobody can bring back yesterday. The vital precious now is all that we really have to live with love, joy, and compassion, giving our best at every moment and feeling gratitude even in our challenges. We cannot waste a single day, because who knows how short life may be.
(Picture – Lade Braes walk, St.Andrews)
How wonderfully put. We need to have more courage to live our life to the fullest within our values. Expand our comfort zone on daily basis.