What I find most interesting about connecting with someone new, is what they bring to the table. I believe people come into our lives for a reason. Sometimes they stay, sometimes they go. As I reflect on different experiences, I can identify people who have had the most impact on me, good or bad. I tend to observe and listen because it is easy to understand a person’s strengths, fears, weaknesses, interests, values in just a brief conversation. The words a person speaks and the energy they give off can be very telling and informative. I also find one’s eyes speak volumes – look into someone’s eyes when speaking and you will be surprised what you learn. It can help you get to know someone even if it means run for the hills! I actually find it interesting when someone says, “How did you know that about me?”
The thing driving my thoughts are the words shared with me last night (and I paraphrase), “Impulsive is a good thing. Life is too short.” The person who said this to me has a fascinating joie de vivre and approach to life that shows experience, charisma and knowledge. I have been observing and learning. I find myself quite curious given people around you are supposed to be your mirrors. I am interested to see what else I will learn and what new things I will see in myself and those around me.
I have had “life is too short” on my mind all day today. It was bubbling on the back burner of my brain along the lines of, “If I got hit by a bus today, the best thing that happened was the lunch I made.” Ok, that is an extreme exaggeration but I had a serving of perspective today. Life is too short makes me think of something I wrote previously about taking a leap of faith. It is more likely to go well than not. (The person who said life is too short gives very little thought to a leap of faith, it is just second nature…because life is too short). This also makes me think of people with whom I no longer have contact. When someone in your life makes you feel like you are constantly pushing a ton of bricks uphill in a wheelbarrow, it is refreshing to leave the person and the wheelbarrow at the bottom of the hill. What is the point of doing something that is too much effort and involves minimal reward, happiness, fun? How is that a good use of time or energy? I try to show my appreciation for others and enjoy myself wherever I am or whatever I am doing..within reason! Sometimes I have to check myself and shift my thoughts.
I feel like I am bouncing around and am unsure how to wrap us this post. I will just do it abruptly. Think about what you are doing today. Is there something you would look back on (if you were hypothetically hit by a bus), and say, “Life was short, why did I do it that way or why did I say that way or why did I do or say nothing at all?” A simple mindset change can set a new course or open up new opportunity.
