Back to the Future, part 1

I have writer's block. Ugh! I have ideas, but putting them down some semblance of legible words is a struggle right now. So I thought that I would share a post from a blog I began nearly 10 years ago. And since I've labeled this 'part 1', you can expect me to do it again when the written word fails me.

Saturday, August 13, 2005

What defines a "good life?" Is it the length of time we spend on this planet? Or the actions we take toward those around us? Perhaps it is measured in the accomplishments we make. There are many who believe that they need to acquire things to fulfill their lives. Still others believe that a good life is achieved by following a set of 'rules' carved in stone brought down from a mountain. If you follow these 'rules' you will be rewarded at the time of your death with eternal happiness. I don't follow that belief at all primarily because I don't think life ends with death. Death is just one stage in our existence. It will occur over and over as we are reincarnated. I believe that our purpose in life is finding the answers that we need to reach omniscience. The journey to achieve this state is what defines a life. The people we meet, the experiences we encounter, the things we learn are all a part of this quest. I believe that a good life is measured by our experiences, by the lives we touch, and those lives that touch us.
The irony of life is that many people (myself included) easily forget this. We often measure our lives by the most trivial of things. Money, success, acceptence. We feel stressed by trying to achieve these things and are consumed by this compulsion; however, none of these things will be carried on to the next life. Their importance only exists now. I was reminded of this because of the passing of two people this week. One I knew for a very short time and one I never had the pleasure to meet; however, both have had a profound effect on me.
The first person was my favorite manager at work. He went out of his way to help everyone. He always acknowledged hard work with genuine praise and acclaim. He was the first person to make me feel truly welcome in a new place. He did this every time he saw me. I learned about his life through the fascinating stories he shared. We laughed every day. He was a constant source of support and encouragement. In short, he has been one of the biggest influences in my life and I didn't even know him a year.
The second person was a young girl I learned about three months ago. She was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor late last year at the young age of seven. Despite every attempt to prolong her life, she lost her battle earlier this week. She was a beautiful young girl who was full of life. She was surrounded by people who loved her. She always had a positive outlook. Even when she was in constant pain, she made people smile. In the short time she spent here, she touched so many people and reminded us of the importance of living every day to its fullest.
Although I am sad that she has gone and am even more devestated that I won't get to see my boss again, the best way to honor their lives is to remember their strengths and to focus not on what may occur weeks, months, or years away, but to concentrate on today. It is paramount that we live every day to its fullest, experiencing everything around us, extracting every piece of knowledge and enjoying the simplest of pleasures. This may sound like a hallmark card, but what the hell, it's my way of dealing with grief. And there is no wrong way to grieve. It is equally ironic that it takes loss to remind us of how much we have missed in life. I am newly resolved in living my life as simply and happily as I am able.
To Michael and Katie, I say thank you for everything you have given me!