The legacy I want to leave is this: being an example of living passionately, authentic, and free.
Whatever created us (I call it God but that matters not), wants us to thrive, not survive.
I am impassioned tonight by the knowledge that a colleague passed away without warning. He was a distant friend, one that I respected and cared for. I am angered that his dreams to live fully –finally embarking upon his retirement – were stripped. The past few times I saw him, he was excited, talking constantly about training for marathons and double-century cycling events. He invariably arrived at my office with his wife who he was clearly thrilled to start sharing more of his newly claimed time with. He, like many, had waited until his later years to start doing the things that called to his heart.
With all due respect to all the responsibilities and adult obligations and things we are “supposed” to do and accomplish in life, I think we got confused somewhere along the way. I know I did. I have made mistakes for the sake of money, status, pride, and ignorance. And worst of all, I have lost love because of fear of being vulnerable.
The thing I am most grateful for in life is this: we choose. Today, I choose something different. I choose to listen to the still voice inside and live to the best of my ability in accord with it.
Don’t waste another day my friends. Do, think, say, feel, or BE what calls you at the deepest level. Forgive, forget, and love. This is not a call for irresponsibility. I am advocating for accountable authenticity. It is the greatest gift we can give to ourselves and others. If you don’t know what you want, ask yourself and be open. The answers will come.