I’ve been called out – by family, friends, and people I’ve never met who follow my blog. A big thank you because my writing and dedication as of late has been intermittent and mediocre – not making excuses, yet there have been many reasons.
Today I was asked why the random and few blog posts have been so heavy as of late, consisting of death, grief, and regrets. Well, the only answer I had was that life has been heavy as of late. And I’ve simply been making an attempt to post, even if the words weren’t eloquent, the thoughts well formed, or the topics cheerful.
I won’t apologize – this blog clearly disclaims daily thoughts, points to ponder, and soulful reflections. It’s not award-winning content, for sure, yet I hope it is thought provoking. I hope that the someone who questioned the heaviness of topics is now delving into the reasons why they find it irritating. Maybe, just maybe, the posts are to do just that – open up the heart, mind, and soul of readers and invite them to sit back, reflect, contemplate, then face their truths.
Why the heavy posts? Because we almost lost my father to sepsis last October. Because we lost my aunt this past January while my uncle was admitted to the hospital not once, but twice, with a grim prognosis during an already difficult time for all. Because the company I’m with is enduring a rolling layoff, more than 2000, with a restructure that has just begun. Because many friends have cancer, battling their health and immune systems right now. Because we’ve endured one death after another. Because life, is indeed, heavy.
And what if tomorrow never comes? Garth Brooks sang it best. What if it doesn’t?
The heavy posts aren’t to depress anyone yet rather remind everyone how fragile life is. How precious time is. And how important it is to not put off today what you think will be there tomorrow.
Today, my mother called to ask if I’d take her on a few errands this evening and asked what time I could be free from work. I knew full well how demanding my work commitments are right now, yet I knew how much those few hours would mean to her. So, we shutdown at 5 pm and ran errands – she couldn’t have been happier – then I resumed meeting those deadlines when we were done.
The parent who wants time. The pet who asks to play. The neighbor who seeks help. The friend who needs to talk. At the end of the day, this is what counts most in life. Yes, we need to fully commit to our jobs and fulfill our responsibilities. But at what point does it become an irrational overcommitment and self-imposed constraint, limiting us from being present and open to life?
Breathe. Juggle priorities. Be there for those who need and want you. What if tomorrow never comes?
