I received news this week that someone I adored had passed away due to cancer. She was far too young and her passing really had an effect on me. She was a friend who always made me smile and was always smiling herself and yet in a matter of days she was no longer with us. A very sad time but the impact it had on me personally has changed certain things in my own life this week. I started thinking about all the activities I am involved with and whether they were adding something to my life or simply draining me. It was time to start getting rid of the things that weren’t important and give more attention to those things that are.
I realised I was spending time on things that had no real impact of value to where I want to be in life and began to feel slightly frustrated about them. Out came the blank piece of paper and coloured pens as I started to chart all aspects of my life, both personal and professional. It was a simple exercise with profound results. Things I hadn’t really thought about suddenly became important as I charted an importance score of 1-10. No longer am I building up an empire to enjoy when I retire, I am now intent on building up a lifestyle that affords me ‘mini retirements’ while I can still enjoy both the time and my health.
It’s with a thankful heart that I shall always remember my friend although I wish it hadn’t taken something so tragic as her death to kick my up the backside. Celebrate life, celebrate your achievements and above all remember that each day is a new reason to smile.
