Johnny commented in my last post asking if I'd elaborate on how my perspective has changed after my near-death experience. That sounds so dramatic, doesn't it? Near-death experience... but I guess that's what it was. I chatted him up about it in a private e-mail. He mentioned that this would be good blog fodder so I'll put it out there for ya. This is exactly as I wrote it to Johnny....
#1 The biggest thing I'd have to say is that I don't sweat the small stuff anymore. And in reality, most of it really is just small stuff when you look at the big picture.
#2 I don't worry about what other people think about me or how I live my life. I do what makes ME happy, what makes ME feel fulfilled. What you think about me no longer matters to me. (I mean that in the friendliest way of "you" being anyone in particular not YOU in the literal sense.)
#3 I appreciate everything. Because I almost lost it. I appreciate EVERYTHING. My family, my job, my home, my health..... how the breeze blows and the trees sway, the warmth of the sun, how blue the sky is, the smell of a rose, the sweetness of ice cream, the laughter of my sister's kids, EVERYTHING. Am I being too philosophical? Do you get it?
#4 I try to live in the moment. And enjoy this life cuz it may be the only one I get. I want to have fun and make memories. I don't want to just simply exist from day to day, plodding through life bored senseless and whining about everything I feel slighted about.
#5 I have my moments... but for the most part I'm in a good mood. It's hard to wake up in a bad mood when I consider what my alternative almost was. I'm a sickeningly optimistic person now. In my opinion, things are never as bad as they may seem. It certainly could always be worse. I can't really tolerate bitchin' and moanin' anymore.
#6 I'm much more spiritual and faith driven. Everything happens for a reason, right? Even if it makes no sense in that moment... at some point it will.
#7 I'm genuinely happy. Could my life be better, easier? Sure. Tomorrow I could win the lottery, the CCAA could call me with a referral for me and all my friends, and I'd wake up looking like the lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls (sorry.. she's my latest girl crush.. if I were to turn lesbian... which I'm not BTW.... not that's there's anything wrong with that! LOL) But my life is what it is and I'm happy with it.
The definition of "Appreciate" is to "Recognize the worth". The message I hope I can make people hear is to APPRECIATE the life you've been given.
Count your blessings. Love your family. Enjoy your life. Live it well. Be happy. Because you never know when it could be gone. Just like that.
We all tend to take things for granted. I was guilty of that, too. But not anymore.
10 comments:
I think it's a testament to your character that you've allowed that difficult experience to shape you into a better person and not a bitter person. I'm so glad that you're okay and that life looks so good to you now!
Once again, I am humbled. I am unaware of what your experience has been, Krista, but it sounds as though you have made a lot of key decisions in your life because of it and that these decisions have postitively impacted your life.
I am in awe of your list and agree with all of it. I expecially connected with #5 and feel so much in tune with your thoughts on the tolerance for negativity.
I am also much more attuned with the fact that everything happens for a reason. There are no coincidences and our responsibility is to open our hearts and our eyes to what is happening around us so that we don't miss the meaning behind it. The journey is the struggle and if we miss it, we will most certainly lose out.
Thank you for sharing this with us, Krista. I'm astounded by the calibre of women I am meeting online!
Okay, I'm a big loser who didn't read your post below before posting to this one...sigh...
Sing it sista! You know I know the tune. You're awesome :0)
Thank you for this follow up post, Krista. It must feel good to put all of this down into words & to share. I very much appreciate reading your words.
My father had a near death experience just about a year ago (November 05). It caused all of us to look at things different and make some adjustments. My husband & I were nudged to finally send our adoption app in. Mom and Dad have been traveling a bunch - including a trip to Hawaii! First time back since he was on leave from Vietnam.
"...Life is short & sweet for certain..." - Dave Matthews. Good to be reminded of this. Thanks for doing so. XO
PS - Yeah, shine the bedroom clean up...and go have some ice cream to celebrate!!
Wow! You have been through so much! Glad you are back on you feet!
You rock! I'm totally with you on this. I had a very similar Come to Jesus moment 2 years ago as well- are we virtual twins? =) Your list here is something people should print out and carry with them as a reminder on how to live their lives. I know that's what I strive for.
Your post is very much appreciated, as are you, Krista. Perfect timing on a sensitive topic for me and I thank you for sharing.
Wow Krista,
It sounds like you have had a whirlwind life turning few years, and it's great to hear you are so positive and full of life after such an experietnce! Think of all the wisdom you have earned to share with your daugther. Your newfound wisdom surely was not easy to gain from reading all that you wrote (in everything you went through in order to find it), but it was well learned and will be invaluable for Mia!!! Mia will be one lucky Babe!!!
Krista... I too had a similar experience (not medical but near-death). I swear your post sounded like I wrote it myself. Like you, I also believe that everything happens for a reason, and in hindsight, I don't know that I would change my past because I wouldn't be who I am today. Thank you for sharing your post, it really resonates with me, especially this time of year. You are truly blessed!
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