Why Should It Take Near-Death To Renew Life?
How many times have we heard the stories about the survivor of a near-death experience who discovers what is truly important in life? We've seen it in movies, like Regarding Henry. We read about it in real-life as well. Stories like the great Lance Armstrong, who not only beat cancer, but went on to become the face of what a cancer survivor can do, and inspired millions in the process to help his cause (I'm wearing the yellow LiveStrong band as I write).
Why? Why do life-changing events have to happen only when someone cheats death? Why must we wait?
Let's face it: most of us here in America live on the assembly line. We are the workers of a century ago who toiled in factories or in mines. Sure, our working and living conditions have significantly improved. Many of us even do well. But we are still on that line -- going in to work at some ridiculous hour in the morning and getting home after dark -- often too late to spend time with our loved ones.
Our free time -- the precious little we actually have -- is wasted on the couch in front of the television. And now, instead of watching the creative works of actors and writers and directors, we are watching the dumbing down of America through reality TV. We subscribe to magazines that gossip about unintelligent, untalented individuals who have made a name for themselves by being an heiress or by selling the tease. We complain that they shirk their responsibilities, snort cocaine and flash their body parts at every opportunity, yet we seemingly cannot get enough.
We have lost ourselves. We have lost our identity.
And what's worse, we know it and do nothing about it.
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about an epiphany. I think this is a good week to discuss it, considering millions of people will be celebrating Epiphany in three days. I'll let mine out a little early.
I realized what is truly important to me. I don't just mean my family. While that is true, it's the easy -- and cowardly -- answer. Being a father and husband is the most important two things that I do. But it is only a piece of me. The rest I have filled with work, with adventure, and with a passion for such things as sport, cooking and the martial arts. Still, there is a void.
That night a couple of weeks ago, it wasn't only that I couldn't close my eyes. It was that they were finally opened.
The void in my life -- in everyone's life -- is that I must do more help others. I must use the talents I have been given to help people, to make their lives a little better. It is something we all must do.
I didn't almost die that night. Perhaps I was given the gift of this realization without having to go through the trauma that others have. I am lucky. But I have still come to this moment.
There is still much to sort out as to what exactly I am going to do. As I go through the process, I will share my thoughts here. Hopefully, it will inspire others to also do more. To help more.
Happy New Year to all. And may all your New Year wishes come true.
Why? Why do life-changing events have to happen only when someone cheats death? Why must we wait?
Let's face it: most of us here in America live on the assembly line. We are the workers of a century ago who toiled in factories or in mines. Sure, our working and living conditions have significantly improved. Many of us even do well. But we are still on that line -- going in to work at some ridiculous hour in the morning and getting home after dark -- often too late to spend time with our loved ones.
Our free time -- the precious little we actually have -- is wasted on the couch in front of the television. And now, instead of watching the creative works of actors and writers and directors, we are watching the dumbing down of America through reality TV. We subscribe to magazines that gossip about unintelligent, untalented individuals who have made a name for themselves by being an heiress or by selling the tease. We complain that they shirk their responsibilities, snort cocaine and flash their body parts at every opportunity, yet we seemingly cannot get enough.
We have lost ourselves. We have lost our identity.
And what's worse, we know it and do nothing about it.
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about an epiphany. I think this is a good week to discuss it, considering millions of people will be celebrating Epiphany in three days. I'll let mine out a little early.
I realized what is truly important to me. I don't just mean my family. While that is true, it's the easy -- and cowardly -- answer. Being a father and husband is the most important two things that I do. But it is only a piece of me. The rest I have filled with work, with adventure, and with a passion for such things as sport, cooking and the martial arts. Still, there is a void.
That night a couple of weeks ago, it wasn't only that I couldn't close my eyes. It was that they were finally opened.
The void in my life -- in everyone's life -- is that I must do more help others. I must use the talents I have been given to help people, to make their lives a little better. It is something we all must do.
I didn't almost die that night. Perhaps I was given the gift of this realization without having to go through the trauma that others have. I am lucky. But I have still come to this moment.
There is still much to sort out as to what exactly I am going to do. As I go through the process, I will share my thoughts here. Hopefully, it will inspire others to also do more. To help more.
Happy New Year to all. And may all your New Year wishes come true.
posted by E-Luv at 9:15 AM
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