Life, Death and Everything in Between

The New Year is a time to think about life – past, present and future.   Tonight, the first night of the New Year - I am reflecting, crying, thinking, smiling and writing.  Racing through my head are years, moments, people, places, love, loss, choice, change, regret, hopes, memories, dreams….

The sum of these thoughts racing through my head is life – my life.  The good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly, the happy, the sad, the right, the wrong – it is the story of my life.

As I think about my life, I also think about my death.  I think of it not as the end – but as the grand finale of the most amazing story I could possibly write. 

You know you’ve thought about it – your funeral - who will be there, how many people will be there, what will they say, what stories will they tell, will there be laughter, will there be tears, will there be a song, will there be pictures, what will it be like?

I live with intention and purpose; I am motivated by love not fear; guided by light not darkness.  I hold my friends close, my family closer and I never stop working on my relationship with myself.

I open my eyes to see the miracle that is life, I open my heart to feel the lowest of lows and the highest of highs, I open my mind with understanding and compassion knowing that we come in all colors, shapes and sizes and life has no instructions.

When my time comes, when my eulogy is read, there will be no shortage of stories – stories of laughter, happiness, strength, courage and love.  How do I know this – because I’m writing it – each and every day of my life.  This life was handed to me – but the way I choose to live it is all up to me, I am the only one in control – and I am going to live inspired.

I will leave you with this:

• It’s your life, make the most of it, make it good, make it real, make it memorable, make it magical and own it! 
• If you have the opportunity and ability – spread the love.
• Eulogize the living – don’t wait until they are the only one in the room that can’t hear you – for goodness sake they are the ones that would appreciate your words the most.

I love the song Amazing Grace, by Aaron Neville.  It is soul stirring and the perfect song for reflection.  Listen and listen.

Much Love,

Megan

If I Should Have a Daughter (Or Two Sons)

If I should have a daughter,

I would show her love,

I would build her self-esteem,

I would teach her confidence and self-respect,

I would teach her the importance of being honest,

Living with integrity,

And always doing her best,

I would tell her that happiness comes from within,

Then grows through her relationships with others

I would make sure she knows that inner beauty is lasting,

Outer beauty is fleeting,

And that she is gorgeous,

I would discourage gossip,

Encourage understanding,

Tell her that everyone has a story,

Ask her to listen,

And to be compassionate,

I will tell her that life is hard,

There are highs and there are lows,

Allow yourself to feel them,

And know that you are always growing,

I would encourage her to travel,

To gather new experiences,

To open her mind,

And to broaden her view of the world,

I would tell her to believe in something,

Stand up for what she believes in,

And to have a mind of her own,

I would give all that I am,

To make her all that she can be,

I don’t have to wait for a daughter,

Because I have two sons.

Check out this Ted Talk - it is worth the watch!

XOXO,

Meg