Blink!

According to Wikipedia,  the universe is about 13.8 billion years old. That’s so many years that it’s hard to put the number into perspective, although this site will give you some comparisons. Let’s round it off to 14 billion. If you could live that many minutes, you’d reach the incredible age of 26,636 years old.

In terms of longevity, our lives pass quicker than a flutter of a butterfly’s wings, less than the size of a single angel dancing on the head of a pin, faster than the proverbial *blink* of an eye. Subjectively, when we’re living them, they don’t usually feel short or inconsequential, but most of what we do, when viewed in comparison to eternity is exactly that. There’s a saying about no one on their deathbed wishing they’d spent more time working. This is why it’s so important to fill your time with the things that truly matter to you. Be kind to others and to yourself. 

In this life, a sense of humor is a necessity. When hard times and heartbreak come, you get to choose how you respond. You can laugh or you can cry. It’s a cliché, but laughter honestly is good medicine. I’m not saying you should never cry because sometimes situations almost demand it. A good cry can be cleansing. What I am saying is try to limit the sadness. Don’t be that person who’s always so negative that they drag everyone around them down also, who’s always so focused on their own hardships they don’t see those of others. Being like that will add another problem to your list: loneliness. No one wants to spend time with someone who consistently depresses them. And the truth of the matter is, who always has to be around you? You do.

When death eventually comes, as it does to all of us, wouldn’t it be great to look back and feel that you’ve left the world a better place by your existence? It doesn’t have to be in big ways: offering a smile and a kind word when someone is having a tough day, helping with actions or words or money or whatever you have that’s needed makes a positive difference. We each have the power to build up or tear down the people in our lives. Make the effort to be aware and mindful of the impact your words and deeds have on those around you. You can hurt with sharp unkindness or heal with compassion. Being remembered fondly in the hearts of those whose lives you’ve touched is a form of immortality. How do you want people to remember you?