"You can't always wait for the perfect time. Sometimes, you have to dare to do it because life is too short to wonder what could have been." - Unknown.

Image Source: Nick Fewings (Unsplash)

 

Author's note: Last week, a community member died suddenly. The week before, we were piling in a car headed to a rained-out Panther's training camp or hanging at the pool talking about places to visit in North Carolina and the upcoming football season. His passing reminded me that life is too short.

 

Our time on Earth has a limited shelf life (pardon the pun). Therefore, we should do the best we can with what we have to make this world a better place to live. The older we become, there is the tendency to create a bucket list of things we wish to do before we bid our planet a fond farewell. To improve the quality of life for yourself and others, I will suggest a different list, regardless of age.

 

1.    Be present-centered - Make the conscious choice to live in the present. Set aside the unchangeable past, and fret less about the future. We can plan for the future, but tomorrow may never come. Enjoy each moment as if it were your last.

2.    Follow your path - Your calling is about noticing the signs that will be unique to you. We will wear many hats in a lifetime, but one may resonate more strongly than others. What mission moves you (physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually) to improve humanity? Often, the lived experience becomes our guide. What are you willing to share about yourself authentically and vulnerably that may encourage others to begin their healing journey?

3.    Live a purposeful life - Your chosen path becomes your purpose. This aspect may be the most difficult to achieve on this list. However, know that countless others have gone before you to pave the way. Enlist the aid of a trusted confidante or mentor who has been where you are now. This person(s) may share a jewel of knowledge that will stoke the fire of your greatest passion for living this purposeful life.

4.    Like-minded community - Join or create a community of like-minded people with similar interests. Often, a collaborative effort can offer a broader outreach and additional resources to assist you in fulfilling your mission.

Life moves quickly from the day we are born - so make the most of each moment.

 

My thoughts turn back to the death of our beloved community neighbor. Mainly, I am thinking about where I have been and what I have become over my almost six decades of life. Judy and I have known each other for over thirty years and married for twenty-six plus. If tomorrow never came - did I do my best to fulfill my promises to her? I cannot worry about tomorrow; I must do my best with the shared breaths we take today. When our neighbor died, a vintage Garth Brooks song came to mind that echoes these sentiments.

 

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns - don't hesitate to contact me through my email at mindbodybadgeyoga@gmail.com or via the comment sections in this blog. I am here to serve and support you on your quest to rebuild your mind, body, and spirit one breath at a time. Until next time -

 

Namaste,

Tim

 

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A LIFE OF PEACE (OF MIND)