How You Live

Have you ever had one of those days where you get a blatant message from the Universe? Not a whisper, but an in-your-face message that is too clear to ignore?

Well, yesterday I got one of those messages. Not once, but two times I was led to two different stories about individuals who have less then 12 months to live and who are choosing to make the absolute most of that time, and sharing their message with others. Both stories are about people who are in their late 30s with young kids. They are in my age range; have children my children's ages. And they are choosing to share the message now, with their family and friends and anyone else who chooses to listen, that no matter the amount of time you have left on this earth, it's yours to live...and how are you going to choose to live it?

If you were told you have less then 12 months to live, what would you do?

When you ask yourself (and answer) this question, not from fear or being morbid, but as a way to see if you are living a life that aligns with your priorities, you can then see what areas to focus some attention for positive change. If you think you would spend more time with family and friends, you can then ask yourself what you can do to start doing that now. If you think you would take that trip to Greece that you've always dreamed of, you can ask yourself what you can do to start moving that dream forward now.

And just for a bit more inspiration....I love the song, How You Live (Turn Up the Music), by the group Point of Grace. The lyrics (below) are a reminder to me as to how I want to live!

Wake up to the sunlight
With your windows open
Don't hold in your anger or leave things unspoken
Wear your red dress
Use your good dishes
Make a big mess and make lots of wishes
Have what you want
But want what you have
And don't spend your life lookin' back

Turn up the music
Turn it up loud
Take a few chances
Let it all out
You won't regret it
Lookin' back from where you have been
Cuz it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did
It's how you live

So go to the ballgames
And go to the ballet
And go see your folks more than just on the holidays
Kiss all your children
Dance with your wife
Tell your husband you love him every night
Don't run from the truth
'Cause you can't get away
Just face it and you'll be okay

Turn up the music
Turn it up loud
Take a few chances
Let it all out
You won't regret it
Lookin' back from where you have been
'Cause it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did
It's how you live

Oh wherever you are and wherever you've been
Now is the time to begin

So give to the needy
And pray for the grieving
E'en when you don't think that you can
'Cause all that you do is bound to come back to you
So think of your fellow man
Make peace with God and make peace with yourself
'Cause in the end there's nobody else

Turn up the music
Turn it up loud
Take a few chances
Let it all out
'Cause you won't regret it
Lookin' back from where you have been
'Cause it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did
It's how you live

'Cause it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did
It's how you live