Sunday, January 4, 2015

A Year to Live

My year-end reflection post articulated my first New Year Resolution - to live 2015 as if it is my last. The idea is to live in the present throughout the year such that when death comes, one is not filled with regrets and unfinished business. I expect to live beyond 2015 but one never knows; moreover, this resolution (i.e., lifestyle) is consistent with my goals of increasing self-awareness, exuding positive energy, and practicing loving kindness.

My resolution is nothing original; indeed, the popular cliché - "live each day as if it is your last" is essentially the same concept on a daily basis. Whether a day or a year, it is much harder than it sounds. Think about it - what would you do if you were informed today that you had a terminal disease and only 1 day, 1 month, or 1 year to live? Would you be depressed? Would you quit your job? Would you move? Would you develop a bucket list? Would your treatment of and interaction with others change? Could you be happy? What unfinished business requires you take action before you die? Who do you need to see, spend time with, and express loving kindness towards before you die? What do you wish you had (not) done during your life? During my year-long journey, I've asked myself these (and other) questions. Taking the time to read, reflect, and meditate on this subject during 2014 has been very helpful; I don't have all the answers to my questions but I do believe that living 2015 as if it is my last will further my goals toward enlightenment.

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