What Are You Waiting For?

I had a friend pass away recently. We worked together for many years, fell out of touch when life got in the way, and reconnected a few years ago when she had just discovered she had cancer. She was only 52.

She was a larger-than-life person with big dreams who took big action. I always admired how she jumped right into everything, seemingly fearless. I am so much more cautious and measured in my approach.

When I asked her about it one day, her response was, “Life is so short. We’ve only got one shot, and I never want to say that fear held me back. I mean, what have I got to lose”.

Those words have always stuck with me.

I will say that she fell on her butt many times in business, in life, and even in relationships, and she had more than her fair share of hardships, but she never gave in. She would pick herself up and march on to the next thing. And while I would often cringe or shake my head at hearing about her latest predicament, I also had a deep admiration for her tenacity and willingness to keep going for what she wanted.

Once again, I am reminded of the impermanence of life.

This quote by Buddha has been going through my mind.

“The trouble is, you think you have time…. If you don’t think your life is going to last forever, what are you waiting for?”

When we are young, we think that time goes on forever, but as we age, we begin to realize how short life really is. But do we really live this way?

What are you putting off till tomorrow?

Where are you holding back?

Where are you not living your truth?

Where are you letting fear, doubt, and worry stand in the way of what you want?

I’m writing this reminder today as much for me as for you. I am approaching today with sadness but also deep gratitude for the time I have been given. I am also committing to honor this gift of time by living life to the fullest.

In the words of my beautiful friend, "Life is short. What do I have to lose?”

Rest in Peace, my friend.