If I had a dollar for every time somebody said to me “can you believe how fast time goes by?” I’d be rich. And if I had another dollar for every time I think the same thing, I’d be a millionaire. How is it that we are so aware of how fast time passes, and yet we waste so much of it? Why is it that we don’t live every moment as if it were our last – because it quite possibly could be? Life can and does change in an instant.
I’ve recently been reminded of this over and over again. Last month, Lorie Huston, an accomplished veterinarian and veterinary journalist, died unexpectedly. Two days before Lori’s death, Sophia Yin, a renowned veterinary behaviorist, took her own life. Three weeks ago, I attended a benefit for Karl Cochran, a rock guitarist who had a stroke this spring, and who is currently facing a long and slow recovery.
I knew Lorie personally. I never met Sophia Yin, but knew of her. I didn’t meet Karl until the night of the benefit, and then only briefly to wish him well. But yet, all three of these events affected me profoundly. Maybe it’s because all three of these individuals are around the same age as I am. Maybe it’s because all three seemed to lead lives that would be considered charmed by anyone’s definition, and now they’re either gone, or facing a life that has been irrevocably changed.
It’s natural to reevaluate your life when tragedy happens. Remember how many of us swore that we’d change our lives in the days following 9/11? How many of us have made really lasting changes? I’d venture to bet it’s only a very small minority.
When bad things happen to good people, it can serve as a wake up call to the rest of us. If knowing that life can change in an instant isn’t motivation enough to make some changes, I don’t know what is.
“Pay attention to each moment as if it were your last.”
And the changes don’t even have to be big ones. You don’t have to sell all your worldly posessions and travel the world. All that’s really required is to spend more time in the present moment. Really pay attention to what you’re doing. Don’t multitask. Pay attention to each moment as if it were your last.
And who better to teach us how to do this than our cats. Cats are always fully engaged in what they’re doing in each present moment.
Start small. Just pick one small moment, and experience it fully. Notice your thoughts, notice how you feel. Are you really in the moment, or is a part of you thinking about what’s for dinner, what you have to get done before you can relax? Acknowledge the thoughts, and then gently let them go. Just be.
Initially, this can be easier said than done. But eventually, being present will become a more natural way of being, and the shifts you will experience in your life as a result of this practice can be powerful.
And if we need a little help with this, the cats in our lives will be more than happy to model the behavior for us.
Do you find it challenging to pay attention to each moment?
It is amazing how much a person can change after the loss of a loved one. After the death of my husband and soul mate, who was much too young to leave this physical plane, I am a completely different person. My priorities are totally different. I live my life to make him proud. I may not succeed every day, but I continue to do my best. I am grateful for all he taught me and for the precious time I had with him. Yet it still can be challenging to pay attention to each moment in this crazy world. đ
Thank you for sharing this with us, Debi. I love your choice to live your life to make our husband proud. What a wonderful, loving tribute to him.
Maybe people just can’t stand to think how bad things happen so suddenly & randomly?
Good post & always a good reminder!
Very good post. Hugs to you Ingrid.
Thanks, Sue! So good to have you back!
As a housekeeper in a hospital I’m reminded each and every day. Part of my duties include the Intensive Care Unit. It gets really real really quick in there. And in the 18 months that I have worked there, my level of gratitude and thankfulness for each day has greatly increased. Life is fleeting and short. And with the recent loss of Donovan…things have changed forever in my home.
Live each day to the fullest.
Losing a heart cat like Donovan is one of the most poignant reminders of how much things can change i an instant, Sherry. My heart goes out to you.
Thank you Ingrid. He was indeed the love of my life. I’m so glad I submitted his story to Lolas book.
I deal with…everyday…the fragility of life. People think that housekeepers dont ‘get it’. But in reality…we do. Sometimes the family or the patient will talk more to me than to their caregivers…ie the doctors and nurses. Sometimes…if the patient has been there for a while I get to know them quite well. Sometimes they will call on me before they call on the nurses….because I’m often more available that they are.
But at the end of the day all that really matters is making each day and each moment count. Plain and simple. Because it can…and does change…in the blink of an eye.
A good reminder. As mom reads this a tiny kitten is sleeping in her lap….a life saved and a reminder that small steps can be huge for others
What a lovely reminder that small steps can make such a huge difference.
What a beautiful post and a great reminder to live each day fully present. And yes, our cats are the best teachers for living in the moment!
Great reminder to appreciate our loved ones (including kitties) all the time.
Nice reminder Ingrid, thanks!
This is something I’m personally am working on….maybe I should just follow Abby around all day and do what she does ; )
I’m sure Abby would love that, Toni! đ
When I lost my Jewel two months ago, it hit me so hard how fleeting life is. We thought she’d be around until at least Christmas she was doing so well. Then, she crashed hard and we couldn’t do anything to help her and had to help her cross over so she wouldn’t suffer anymore. It served as quite the wake-up call to me to be sure to spend more time with the people I love and care about because you just never know when someone’s time will come.
I’m so sorry about Jewel. It’s always hard to loose a cat, but when it’s close to the holidays, it seems even worse.
Well said! Of course we cats are great teachers in this area. Humans should listen and learn.