As humans, we have been given this incredible opportunity to live. We are brought into this world for a reason and have been given the beautiful gift of life. We are presented with a blank canvas that everyone has the ability to personalize and make their own. There is no guarantee to how long we are given. Just the opportunity itself should be taken as a blessing.
In most cases, we know someone who has left this world prematurely or very suddenly. As terrible as it is, loved ones are taken from us all of the time (too often, if you ask me). Whether it is because of a disease, an illness or a freak accident, these events occur on a daily basis. Although it is detrimental and terrible, this is an event of life that can't be avoided. Just as we are brought into this world, people are brought out.
Recently, I’ve realized how terrifying the topic of death truly is; it’s an unknown that can take anyone at any time. It absolutely blows my mind that one day, someone can get up and make one mistake that can take the lives of many people. As an example, on the day of the Columbine shooting, those individuals didn’t wake up knowing that that was the last day they were going to live. Every day that we have been given isn’t a guarantee.
As I’ve aged and lost people close to me or have seen my loved ones lose someone close to them, I have begun to realize that I need to cherish and make the most of every second I have been given. I will make it a priority to say, "I love you" while I have the chance. Or make memories with those I cherish spending time with. I will go out of my way to do something nice for someone else because we truly never know how long we have left in this world. Leave your mark on others before it’s too late. People are diagnosed with diseases out of the blue and are suddenly given an expiration date.
As terrible as it is to lose someone, remember to cherish every second you have been given. Every day is truly a blessing and I know that one thing I don’t want to regret is not spending my time wisely. I will never regret making too many memories or spending too much time with people I care about. No time is guaranteed. Make the most of every precious 60 seconds you have been given because you truly never know when you or someone else you know will run out of time.
