A friend of mine had a coffee cup that was stolen from her; the lost affected her because it was more than just a cup--it had so much sentimental value. The words on the mug said: "Let this be the day when you can honestly say you’ve lived life to the fullest." The story made me think about life and what the spirit of life would say to us if it could speak.
My twist on Edith Wharton's words: She was at the end. Through her mind she saw
fragmented images of the life she was leaving, she had swallowed her last dose of medicine. She was choking and she could not breathe and then finally she was dead. She stood on the threshold of a gate to something that was not so tangible. She stepped forward not frightened as her eyes became more familiar with the light. "How beautiful, how satisfying!" she murmured. "Perhaps now I will really know what it means to live." As she spoke she felt a thickening of her heart beat and looking up she was aware that before her stood the Spirit of Life. The Spirit of Life asked, "Have you ever known what it is to live?" "I have never known," she replied.
We live in a world where we are preoccupied with everything except living life to the fullest. I asked myself what can be done every day to improve on this and got completely overwhelmed. A three hundred and sixty five day plan was too much. How could I condense this? This is only a suggestion but could be very workable. Chose a specific number of items you are going to focus on and make it happen in your personal life. I chose the number 12. Twelve is one of the smallest numbers that has a large number of factors, i.e. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6; all divide into 12 without a remainder. The number twelve signifies perfection or completion. The Christ had 12 disciples, there are 12 months in a year, Jacob had 12 sons which became 12 tribes--12 seem to be a completely balanced number. Well here it goes I have twelve coffee cups that I am willing to fill and may it be said when I am dead and gone that I lived life to the fullest.
Filling cup #1 with kindness and understanding because you can't create hell in the lives of others all day and expect to sleep heavenly all night.
Filling cup #2 with discernment because Hollywood superficial friendships are not the same as heart and home connections--got to know the difference.
Filling cup #3 with critical thinking because knowledge knows a tomato is a fruit but wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad. The tomato is not just a fruit--you've got to know how to use it.
Filling cup #4 with real relationships because the word "family" doesn't always mean blood related. The ties that bind are deeply felt and deeply known by us all.
Filling cup #5 with tenacity because sometimes you have to take the stairs a hundred flights up especially when there is no elevator. Work what you got to get what you want.
Filling cup #6 with thankfulness because the true blessings are the things money can't buy--count them often and your soul will be satisfied.
Filling cup #7 with laughter because those that laugh the most see the doctor the least.
Filling cup #8 with education because the best teacher is also the best student.
Filling cup #9 with perspective because there is no u-haul to take my stuff with me once my earthly life is over. Give the best you've got while you are alive.
Filling cup #10 with the golden rule because even if you don't believe it--you reap what you sow, so plant good seeds and karma will be a better friend.
Filling cup #11 with the bottom line because money only gives you choices. Love, health and contentment are not for sale.
Filling cup #12 with love because it covers a multitude of faults even the ones I think should not be included.
This is Tuesday talk and my cup is filled.
©2011/2012/2013 Theda Okona All Rights Reserved