Yesterday was a difficult morning. It was the day of a memorial service for a friend and I wasn't going to be there. I kept thinking about his family laying him to rest and the amount of great people there in mourning. I may not know many of these people personally however, I am a feeler and when someone with a good soul is in pain, I am in pain. Living far away from each other, my friend and I mostly communicated through Skype, Facebook message, and text. Despite having minimal face to face interaction, he left a significant impact in my life. He had an incredibly genuine spirit, his musical talents soared, he had a thirst for adventure, his humor was sure to brighten anyone's day, and he had a strong love for life and all of those who surrounded him. The world lost a great one and it isn't fair.
While these thoughts flooded my mind yesterday morning, I decided to clean my desk. During my cleaning I came across an old journal. As I opened it up to see the first page, I could not fight back tears but I also felt comfort from Jake. I know I found this journal in this very moment for a reason. I would like to open up and share with you the first entry.
6/5/13 - Today's Lesson: Never Take Life For Granted
I found out today that a friend of mine at age 20 was diagnosed with aggressive Leukemia and suffered a massive stroke. Currently he can't talk and is in critical condition. He is a free spirit and talented musician. I am stunned and saddened to hear this news. It leaves me to think that tomorrow is never guaranteed. That is why in this present moment you must take advantage of every opportunity you have. Live life to the fullest and be appreciative for everything.
I write this entry on Skinner Mountain while looking out at the CT river, a butterfly lingers around me, and two hawks are proudly soaring by. It is a beautiful yet somber moment.
During the darkest of times I must remember that I am alive, I am healthy, I am grateful. I will not take this precious gift we call life for granted.
I pray for you Jake with all of my heart.
This entry was the reminder I needed to appreciate life. I know as I work through the sadness, this is how Jake lived and it is how he would want us to live. He may have only walked this earth for 22 years but he lived and loved fully.
It is unfortunate that it takes tragedies to put things in perspective. For those of you reading this, I hope it resonates with you and doesn't take a tragedy to help you realize the important things in life. People are important, relationships, family, little life moments, the every day stuff, a droplet on a flower, the smell of the ocean air, the warmth of a cup of tea. I know this all sounds cliche but it is the truth and as a whole we need to start living this way.
We live in a society that always wants more. Where it is a good to strive for more, don't let that stop you from appreciating what you have. We will never have enough if we solely focus on what is missing. Right now in this present moment you have enough and you are enough. Don't let the little blunders of the day make up your life. We look for external sources for happiness but it's inside of you hiding. We have the power to find that happiness and create the life we want to have. The decisions we make right now, is our story. If you don't like your story, it is not too late for a plot change but one day it will be. Don't wait for that moment of regret. Life is scary but we often create worries in our own mind. Don't let the fear of failure or rejection stop you from living and loving. Most importantly, do not take your tomorrow's for granted, for no matter who you are, it is not guaranteed.
Jake I wish I could witness you live out your biggest dreams. I aspire to inspire as many people as you have. Rest easy JG. Thanks for sending lessons down from heaven. BEYAAAAHHHH!
