Perspective

You know how the old saying goes… the view only changes if you’re the lead dog.

I’m not actually sure what that has to do with anything that’s on my mind, but that’s what I was thinking about the other day.  The idea that no matter what you’re talking about or who you’re talking to, perspective is the key.

When I started this post, I was going to write about how a jog around the block seems impossible to the person still sitting on their couch, while a 3 mile run to me is usually just a warm-up to something longer. But that it certainly wasn’t always that way; I started out as that person eating snacks while watching TV. That I got to the point of being able to run a half marathon by starting out barely being able to run a quarter mile. That as I kept working, and kept pushing my boundaries beyond my comfort zone, my perspective changed. One mile became easy, then 3, then 6 and 10.  It’s all about perspective.  We’re all in different places, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t CHANGE your perspective.

And then, the other day, I found myself at a wake for a relative of mine.  She had died of pancreatic cancer.   Had been diagnosed a little over a year ago and had exceeded by months her doctor’s predictions of how long she had left.  She fought, fought hard.  She left behind a husband and two boys.

She was 46.

46.

She won’t see her sons graduate from high school or college, see them get married, see what they make of their lives.  She won’t grow old with her husband or be able to spoil her grandchildren.  

Talk about perspective.  Suddenly talking about running didn’t seem too important.

There are so many things that I think that I’ve got forever to accomplish.  And some of those things are important to me.  The lesson to be learned from all this?  Like the Nike ads, Just Do It.  I mean, if it was something you were intending on doing anyway, why not now?  Right now.  This minute, this second.  Make the decision, make the committment.  Make your life what you want it to be.

All the cliche things are so true:  tell the people in your life that are important to you that you love and appreciate them. Mend fences where possible.  Let go otherwise.  Take the time to enjoy each moment.  Fill your life with the things you love.  Set goals, reach your dreams.  Laugh.  Lots.  Realize that everything you do impacts the world, so make sure your energy is positive and uplifting.  Forgive others.  More importantly, forgive yourself. Be accountable.  Be amazed with all the wonders that surround you.

Love life.

And appreciate all the time you’re given and live with a sense of urgency, because you never know what moment might be your last.

Perspective.