Big events in life are turning points.
This week there were a number of big events, some happy and some sad, but life changing events nonetheless, and events like these take us in new directions.
As I ponder this turn in the road, I'm thinking about where it will take me.
Family and friends
When a loved one passes, it makes you appreciate your family and friends more. You realize how glad you are that they are in your life, and how you want to be there for them too. I want to nurture family and friendships in the ways I can. For close family members, we'll continue our routines of helping each other week to week as our lives change. I'll also do what I can to make our home warm and welcoming as well as planning regular gatherings and special adventures and events. We need each other in life, and I believe that a good life acknowledges that and follows that direction.
Respect for differences
As I looked around during my aunt's funeral services and the celebration of her life, the diversity of my family struck me. My siblings, cousins and other relatives are living lots of different kinds of lives. Some are business people, others are naturalists and there are academics too. Families range in size and where they live. Yet, despite the differences, there was respect for all the many ways people choose to live. I want to embrace that level of good respect for the differences we bring to each others lives.
Passion and perseverance
Not only did I notice many different paths of life during the ceremonies, but I also recognized that the people there had lives marked by great perseverance over time. Following their many passions with perseverance led them to people they love and lifestyles that bring them happiness. It takes passion and perseverance to build the life you want to live.
Resilience
No one in the room was without a life challenge. Since I knew many of the people all my life, I knew their stories well. So many had endured hardships and challenges that were very tough, yet they not only endured those challenges, but they rose above them building wonderful lives. In many cases, their challenges gave them inspiration and direction to build their lives in unique ways that resulted in service and contribution to others. To see that resilience builds strength in you too. We can overcome the hardships and challenges that come our way, and in time, that strife can make us stronger and better too.
As I look ahead, I want to bring forth the love and support of family and friends, respect for differences, passion and perseverance, and resilience that so many of my friends and family members display time and again. These are ingredients to good living. Onward.