Life Can Change in an Instant

We all know that life can, as they say, change on a dime. One moment, we’re going about our daily lives, and the next – POOF! – something happens in an instant that changes everything. We know this, intellectually speaking . . . but how many of us actually live like we know it?

In my work, I see this all the time with clients. One night someone they love is here, the next that same loved one has transitioned unexpectedly in an accident or “freak” passing. One day they feel totally healthy and well, the next they are given a diagnosis that changes the course of their life. One moment they are gainfully employed, the next they are laid off and wondering what to do next. These are just a few examples, but I can’t begin to tell you how many times these examples show up in my world.

I’ve had my own experiences with this, too. Just last night, one of my roommate’s two beloved cats had a seizure. One minute she was okay; in fact, she was perfectly healthy and spunky and running around early yesterday morning. The next minute, she was shaking, passed out, and as my roommate’s boyfriend was administering kitty CPR, her soul left her little furry body and transitioned home. Even in doing the work that I do, I had never actually witnessed someone transition from this world to the next. It was a profound experience; humbling, sad, and heart-expanding all at the same time.

And even after last night’s events, I had to get myself together today to do a group reading for 11 people. I’d had this reading scheduled for several weeks in advance, and there was no way I could cancel with a group that size. I got myself together, headed to my friend’s home, and the afternoon was full of powerful and profound messages. But again, as those on the Other Side came through, there were countless examples of life changing on a dime. One person passed unexpectedly in an accident, another took their own life, another had been ill, rallied around a bit, and then transitioned. The afternoon was full of tears, laughter, and tremendous healing.

What I realized – to an even greater degree – is just how important it is to be present in this life we have. I’ve blogged about it before, but truly, I was reminded repeatedly in the last 24 hours: a) How much really is out of my control (which makes my Type-A personality go absolutely bonkers! 😉 ) and b) How by being present, we get to enjoy and savor that much more of life while we’re here.

So, I am still learning how to be more present and not let the little things get to me. However, I will also be the first to admit, I have a LONG way to go. But the more present I can be, the more I can just be in the moment and experience things as they come – rather than worrying about backsliding to where I was in the past, or projecting my fears into the future – the more peaceful, and happy, I will ultimately be. And the same, dear readers, is true for you. 🙂