For those of us who have lived through the loss of someone we dearly love, we know it can be a roller coaster of emotions and feelings as time goes on, especially on the milestone days.
When someone we love dies, one of the most common reactions is to look at their life and remember how fulfilled and enriched it was, even if we feel it was ended too soon. We want to ensure our loved ones are remembered in a way that is positive and even inspiring to others. Sometimes we need to reach for all the positive things we can in order to move forward in our own lives.
This long weekend marks the anniversary of a deeply loved friend and family member of mine who died suddenly in an accident at the very prime of her life. Jean Anne was truly inspiring in so many ways, to so many people. The last few years of her life were lived to the absolute fullest in many ways: From taking up kiteboarding, to expanding her spirituality, to dancing the tango, she pushed the boundaries of her comfort zone and filled her life with joy, love and adventure. Beyond the activities she engaged in, was the pure joy she had with her beautiful children, friends and family. She reminded us all about the importance of quality time with one another and that it is our connection and time with each other that is most valuable in life.
Many of you can probably say similar things about your special someone as well, am I right?
While ‘anniversaries’ can have a swing of emotions, I don’t feel the urge to mourn her death but truly celebrate and honour the life she lived, while continuing to be inspired by her example to live a fulfilled and enriched life.
She once said to me “Lind, let your SOUL SING!!”
So in this year to come, I will set the intention to do:
- Something that fulfilled her life
- Something that fulfills me in my life
- Something new that is outside my comfort zone
- Something that rejuvenates my body
- Something that expands my heart
- Something that sets my spirit free
- Something that gives back to others
- Something that brings me joy and laughter
Every May long weekend, I will be able reflect back on the year passed and know I have lived an enriched life by adding new things to it and set the intention for another year of fulfillment ahead. For I hope that if my time should ever come ‘too soon’, that others will be able to say “She truly lived her life to the fullest… and that is worth celebrating!”
I encourage you to be inspired by your loved ones and honor them by continuing to live YOUR life to the fullest!
Make this ‘intention setting’ an annual ritual that allows you grow and flourish on all levels. Filling your life with joy and being able to do it through the inspiration of someone you love is another way to keep the spirit of who they are alive and thriving.
“I don’t believe people are looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive!” – Joseph Campbell
Feel free to share in the comments below how you continue honor those you love.
