I received shocking news Sunday morning. A good friend and former colleague of mine’s mom died unexpectedly. Although I didn’t know my friend’s mother personally, I know she was a kindred spirit. Someone who lived out loud and without regret.
She was moments away from receiving her Ph.D in Australia, starting her own business, and creating her own inspirational movement in her 70s. I admire her zest for life, quest for knowledge, and adventurous spirit.
My friend said something poignant that I wanted to share with you in her message to me:
“Thankfully my mom left no regrets, just a long list of to dos…”
As many of you who read the blog know, I measure my personal success by living without regret. I would rather try and fail, than never know what might have been. I believe that life is an adventure and when approached that way, magic is everywhere. Clearly my friend’s mom lived this way. It never occurred to me that living without regret could include leaving the world with a “to do” list.
Her passing reminds me of why it’s so important to live a life that is true to you and of the “p” word: priorities.
Image from Live Learn Evolve
I’ve heard it said that you can tell where someone’s priorities are by looking at their bank statement and calendar. In light of this, I’m going to take some quiet time between now and the end of the year to review where I’ve spent my time and money in 2013. And more importantly, I’m going to apply the principles of the Vision Course and clearly define what my vision and top priorities are for 2014, so I can implement them in the “6 Month Experiment.”
Her passing also reminds me that life is precious and short. We have NOW and that’s all that is guaranteed.
So be sure, especially because now is the holiday season, to tell the ones you love, you love them. Laugh everyday. Sing. Dance. Travel. Love. Explore. Savor. Revel. Live the best life you can possibly live every day!
My wish for you <3
LOVE this song! Love this post too. Life is so very fragile…. We should spend every second living and loving out loud. You are such an inspiration, Jackie.
I’m sorry your friend lost her mom… But it sounds like she left quite a legacy….funny how two people can never meet yet their existence can touch you so deeply.
I hope 2014 brings all of your dreams to light in the most unexpected ways.
Lindsey
Isn’t it cool, Lindsey? I heard it for the first time on The Voice yesterday and had to immediately find it and include it for this post. Thank you for the lovely and thoughtful comment as always. All of your words are heartfelt, genuine, and poignant, which is why I read your posts! 😉
What a lovely 2014 wish–thank you! Same goes for you + the added wish that you find a home you LOVE! <3
Thank you!
For always bringing the positive.
It helps me a lot, I mean, it really does.
It’s near the end of 2013, which means 2014 is coming real soon.
Wish you have a lovely, and much better year in 2014. 😀
So happy to hear that, Valerie! Thank you for your comment and well wishes in 2014. Wishing you the absolute best now & always! 🙂