Look a little closer
I’ve spent the last week trying to complain less and appreciate what I have just a little more. My final verdict is that I tend to exaggerate a little bit too much. I realised that every action that doesn’t go my way is interpreted as a problem. Abusing the question why? Why is this happening to me when having to wait at a checkout, not finding a parking space quick enough and other mundane things.
The first two days of the week I woke up before my alarm went off and by the second day I realised just how good my life must be if that was a highlight. We all face different challenges at different times in our lives. Living requires us to work things out constantly. I’m a bit concerned that even the little molehills along the way are made out to be insurmountable mountains.
Why don’t you join me and look a little closer. Life is full of laughter, tears, life, death, battles and triumphs. Lend a hand to someone facing difficulty and reach out your hand in time of difficulty to those strong enough to help.
It’s reassuring to know that we won’t all be in need simultaneously.
Live! Love! Laugh!
It’s easier to leave than to be left behind
After reading what seemed like some of the most devastating stories in the news the past week or so I have felt deeply for the families who are left behind to pick up the pieces following the tragic loss of loved ones.
I really despise the fact that death is one of those occasions where nothing more can be said by the one who ceases to breathe. There are no answers just unanswered questions. Death has proven itself to be a thief in the night. There is no way to prepare or avoid it. It just happens without warning!
Life hands out different measurements to each of us. Since we’ve no idea how much time we have I guess the idea is to make the most of our time. The challenge is to be the best we can be.
Love, laugh and and above all forgive. No regrets!
Shoulder to cry on
I’ve spent a good part of the day looking for a quote about life that would describe the way I’m feeling. That hasn’t happened and I’ve decided to give it a go trying to sum up the very different aspects of life I’ve been exposed to over the past few days. I guess the thing about life is that stuff happens whether we like it or not and whether or not we deserve it. Life is so full of opposites. Death and birth. Laughter and tears. Success and failure. Victories and defeats.
I wish I had all of the answers to all of life’s most complex questions but I don’t. What I do have is loads of empathy and reassuring hugs. When I go through tough times and deal with unpleasant situations all I need is somebody who provides a shoulder to lean on and to listen to my rumblings and ramblings.
If you meet somebody who is going through a rough time just give them support and understanding. Life is unpredictable at the very best of times and though we know it goes on that’s not what you wish to hear when faced with death, sickness or heartbreak!
Trapped!
While out and about with my husband at the local shopping mall yesterday there were calls for an evacuation on the level we were on. There was not a single person in that coffee shop who was not thrown into some kind of panic. The truth is nobody wants to be in danger. The security were tight lipped about the incident and rightly so.
It later emerged that a woman in her forties had jumped from the top floor and was severely injured which later led to her death in hospital. My first reaction was ‘why would you do something like this?’ My next reaction was one of absolute sympathy. I know nothing of this lady’s life but she must’ve felt really cornered to choose such a drastic option.
People who commit suicide are often labelled as selfish and cowardly which may be the case but we’ll never really know because that is the nature of suicide. Whatever an individuals reason for choosing this path I imagine their feelings must all be the same and I imagine that they are filled with turmoil and crippling fear.
On the other hand people who attempt suicide are labelled as attention seekers . I must admit that is quite a big risk just to get some attention. Having worked as a psychiatric nurse very often patients would be relieved to find that they had survived and a dialogue is often started between them and their loved ones. Such a pity that it has to get to this point before a person can earn a listening ear.
I’m no expert but it has got to be said that we need to listen more and offer help to those in need. I love talking and often have to remind myself to listen as well. Everybody should have someone in their life who they can confide in and share their deepest concerns. Suicide should never be an option but sadly it is for one too many precious lives.
Edge of glory
Warning! If you think you are going to live forever do not read any further!
As I lay in my bed last night I had the strangest thought. I was wondering what would happen if I died suddenly in my sleep. I’m not afraid of death I just wish it came with a notification. I just hate the unpredictability of waking up and finding out that I’ve died! At this point there is just no going back and making amends, reaching goals and of course telling loved ones you love them just one last time.
There are times when my mortality is foremost in my mind and I seize every opportunity and hold nothing back. There is no time like the present to live life to its full potential and at this moment in my life I really want to live with no regrets. There are some things in this life which cannot be bought. Life, love and happiness spring to mind. if you’re fortunate enough to have these then it’s time to celebrate!
‘Don’t fear your mortality, because it is this very mortality that gives meaning and depth and poignancy to all the days that will be granted to you’ Paul Tsongas.
Celebrating good times
Life has a funny way of reminding us that we should enjoy each and every day! Sad though that this reminder more often than not follows the death of somebody who for some strange reason we thought would live forever.
My husband celebrated his birthday yesterday and one of the perks of having young children is that they just want to have a party. So we had a wonderful afternoon tea party with cupcakes hardly suitable for a grown man. He loved it and I’ve no doubt they loved it more.
Celebrations are not just for special occasions. Each day that you rise should be an occasion to be celebrated. It seems a weird thing to say but I’m so glad to be alive. I hope you will join me in my celebration of life!
Justice for Michael
Today Dr. Conrad Murray was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson and will be sentenced later this month.
It’s been reported that prescription drug use is the number one cause of death in the United States of America. Surely in the aftermath of Michael Jackson’s untimely death although I have no doubt he had probably had a few near death experiences there should be better regulation! The frightening part for me in this whole case was the unhappiness of a superstar who brought joy to so many yet had no peace in his own life. Having a resident doctor in your home shows just how dependant Michael was on getting his fix. While I have no doubt Dr. Murray was way out of order administering such dangerous medication outside of a hospital setting. Would you dare say no to mighty Michael Jackson?
The hands of time
At the moment of your birth your whole life lies before you. An empty canvas waiting for you to make your mark with life’s many experiences. Sometimes the art can appear very abstract with way too many unanswered questions. I guess the trick of this life is finding a way to leave the past behind, live in the present and plan for a tomorrow that may never come. Cherishing each day because you may never meet chances and opportunities again. Moments forever lost in time.
Recently I’ve been forced to face with my own mortality. Every now and again an untimely death gets me re-evaluating the way I’m living my life. When you’re young you somehow feel you going to live forever. I’m not suggesting living in fear of death but it certainly sheds some light on the things we place importance on. Particularly the things we cannot take with us when we die. Unfortunately this world we live in requires us to make a living and support ourselves and our families. Finding the balance in giving priority to people who count as opposed to things.
Ever so often I get fed up with being a stay at home mom and I very quickly realise that my girls will be all grown up in the blink of an eye and these moments will be gone forever. So wherever you find yourself in this life just make the absolute most of good and bad situations because nothing lasts forever. Nothing in this life is certain except death.
Till death do us part
Having said those very words before I know for a fact that when you stand making that promise you believe with all your heart that you will be together until death!
Less than a fortnight ago a British couple said those very words and from news reports they were the perfect couple and very much in love. Sadly the promise to be together until death lasted just over a week. The groom was attacked by a tiger shark in the Seychelles and his bride is now in mourning. An absolute shock for her no doubt.How do you get over such an incident?
I was shocked to see the number of couples who don’t make it back home to start what is meant to be the most exciting time in their lives. Instead one party has to bury the other and sometimes families have to say goodbye to the bride and groom.
What also surprised me was the wide range of tragedies that befall the couples. Quad biking, parasailing and motor vehicle accidents as well as drownings and apparent robberies. I read stories of many more accounts of couples returning with tragic stories.
I know nothing lasts forever but is it too much to ask just to be content for more than just a moment. Tomorrow is not promised to anybody but we live in hope.
Cruel intentions
Tonight in St Helier, Jersey a man was charged with the murder of his wife, 2 children and 3 other people. The reason hasn’t been made clear at this stage what triggered the attack  but according to reports he suffered from depression!
I’ve often wondered what happens in a person’s mind that causes them to take a knife and stab their loved ones to death. How can it be revenge when you are left behind facing prosecution and probably imprisonment for life? The accused is currently in hospital with knife wounds possibly wishing that he had died.
This is just one of countless incidents that I’ve read about over the past two years. The horror sends shivers down my spine and I don’t even know these people personally. So for a while I tried to imagine the terror in the eyes of the people he loved when they realised their lives were in danger. At which point do you think this person will come to their senses. Sometimes I feel it is a blessing in disguise not to survive such an attack and to live with the psychological effects of such an attack.
A community are in shock after this awful incident and there are no answers at the moment which makes it so much harder to deal with. While no murder is acceptable I must admit that family murders are the hardest to accept!
*Rest in peace*
Role model or lost soul
I’ve read several articles following the death of Amy Winehouse. I can’t help but feel absolute pity for her. Her life proves that money can buy many things but not contentment.
It seems her childhood dream was to be a famous performer. She got the dream and sadly a whole lot of baggage as well.
Many tributes from very famous people have been publicised via many social network sites. That in itself I find really shallow but I guess it’s the world we now live in. The common thread was the fact that she had absolutely no self control and was a deeply troubled soul.
Sadly her life ended in the most traumatic way…famous and alone! I read a tribute which said” hope you find the peace you hoped for in life in death”
Death the leveler!
A CRY, A SMILE, A DANCE 
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