Take a moment to imagine yourself in the audience watching your life story on the big screen. When and where does your story begin? What are the highlights? What are the bumps and rough patches along the way? What is next on the horizon? What is your legacy?
My story began a few decades ago in Chico, California, on June 29. I was the first of four children raised by my parents Mike and Susan. I have fond memories growing up and am thankful every day for my upbringing. Let’s now fast forward to age 18. I moved out of state to attend college and from that point on it was up to me to direct and oversee the rest of “My Life.”
Life has presented me with many experiences, challenges, and transitions, e.g., discovering my values and who I am, sharing family events, relocating to different cities, completing certifications and educational degrees, seeking new employment opportunities, learning new skills, traveling, dating, and much more. I have always set goals for myself and have consciously worked hard at achieving worthwhile goals. How about you? As you reflect on your life, what have been your major achievements and challenges?
Now, let’s both take center stage. Be courageous! What do you see as you reflect on your life? Are you happy in your personal and working relationships? Are you satisfied in your career choice? Are you facing personal, financial, family, health, or work challenges? How is your attitude? Can you change your perspective? What overall life changes should you make so you can look forward to watching the rest of your life story unfold on the big screen?
As I take center stage, what do I see? I see that my attitude each day creates my reality. I see the hard work and patience that has helped me to build a solid foundation so when the unexpected hits, I can manage the unplanned and sometimes misfortunate events. I see relationships and friendships that I treasure. I see a woman who enjoys her career and appreciates her employer. I see a woman who has a vision of her future and chooses to Go for It!
If I wanted to give the past power, I could allow the unplanned and sometimes misfortunate events of the past define me and my future. I choose to not do that. I believe there are still some life-changing, wonderful events yet to unfold on my big screen.
What is on the horizon for you? What are your plans and dreams? How can you make these dreams become your reality? Don’t procrastinate! Life is uncertain. Let’s include these plans and dreams into your life story on the big screen!
We learn from the past, but we must cherish and live in the present. Take a few minutes each day to reflect on the good things you accomplish. Strive to set worthy, realistic goals. Finally, when you watch your entire life story on that big screen, how will you want it to end—what will your legacy be?
In conclusion, each of us is a unique human being. We are given one opportunity to live this mortal life. Embrace your life with optimism, courage, and hope. Life is good!
Thanks for the reminder that life really is uncertain, which is reason enough not to procrastinate. To read that Joey Feek hopes to be alive for her daughter’s 2nd birthday is simply heartbreaking. Here’s a young woman dying from cancer with a 2 year old child who will be motherless unless a miracle happens. This reminds me of how good life is at this moment in time. We only get to live life once so we better make the most of our lives.