On What’s Important in Life

mosaic

Warning: Ramble ahead.

There has been a lot of loss in the world in 2016. That in itself is a massive understatement so let me try again.

2016 has been a monumental year for loss. In fact, 9 out of 10 of my friends will tell you that they’re thrilled it’s almost over, and if given a choice, would end the year immediately because of the fresh start 2017 promises.

Let me start with some of the celebrity losses that cut us deeply in 2016, not that any one life is better than another but the deaths of some icons hit many of us in the gut, collectively.

Prince.
David Bowie.
Muhammad Ali.
Gene Wilder.
Elie Wiesel.
Arnold Palmer.
Alan Rickman.
(Just to name a few.)

Individual, personal losses among those I know have also been rampant this year. A friend of mine has lost not one, but two siblings this year. Another friend lost her father just today. There are more.

Of course, I had my own great loss of 2016 when we had to say goodbye to Roxie back in February. To add insult to injury, 2016 has been a TERRIBLE year for my pet owner friends. Without thinking about it for more than fifteen seconds I came up with eight friends who have said goodbye to a dog or a cat this year, and then I thought of more when I actually put my mind to it. For many, pets become full-fledged family members so their loss is very deeply felt.

Jim’s cycling accident last month was, thankfully, not as bad as it could have been. I wrote about how it put a refocus on what’s important: loved ones and spending time wisely living our best lives.

Here’s the thing. We all have a lot to do. 21st century life isn’t for sissies: it’s stressful. The very technology that makes so many things easier and faster is also a detriment to our happiness in many ways. We’re taking care of our homes and our families, we’re working, and (hopefully) we’re doing things that enhance the lives of others. We’re running ourselves ragged and in between all of that, we’re wasting hours hanging out on the computer and doing other things that add nothing to the quality of life. We’re also allowing toxic people to take up space in our lives (well, I’M not. I stopped doing that ages ago). Everything can be snatched away–or nearly so–in just a moment; what are some changes you can make to help you live in the moment with a little more gratitude for life itself?

I’ll start: I’m working on staying away from Facebook and not having my phone on my person at all times on the weekends.

Your turn.

3 Comments

  • Momo

    I’m unplugging when I can, but I’m also being selective in who I choose to engage with when I am online (which is pretty much all the time). My job definitely helps keeps things in perspective.