This story circulated on social media as 2018 began. It stirred the heart and soul of many people…all over the world. This young woman spouting wisdom in a no-nonsense, real and gut-punching way has made many of us pause. My question is this…will you pause and then keep going, leaving this wisdom in the dust? Will you be moved but not make an effort to change?

This wisdom has been shared many times before Holly wrote it down. In fact, she doesn’t really tell us anything new. It’s all very familiar, really. Go back and read it again. What didn’t you know?

So…what makes it so poignant?

What makes it poignant is the fact that she knew she was dying when she wrote it…and she is young and happy and truthful. She isn’t whining or depressed. She is living even though she knows she is dying.

What makes it poignant is that we know this stuff and we know we ignore it. We know we should worry less, be kind, spend time with those we love, make healthy choices, be grateful, whine less, be generous, show up on time, give, tell people we love them and experience life. We just don’t do these things…often enough…even though we know we should.

Holly says this: “That’s the thing about life; It is fragile, precious and unpredictable and each day is a gift, not a given right.” and “…we all have the same fate after it all so do what you can to make your time feel worthy and great, minus the bullshit.”

So when will you start acting and thinking this way? When will you start to actually live the wisdom that you know is true? Here’s the thing…you have to make an effort. You have to want to change. You have to practice.  You have to remind yourself of what really is important and then act like it’s important.

It’s not enough that we read this stuff. We need to put it into practice in our life now. Shake off the routine and decide to live consciously. By that I mean live with intention, with a clear mind about what is really important to you…and about who you want to be in this world.

Make your own list of what’s important…and then do what’s on the list.

Read the list every day. Every day. Ground it into your mind and heart.

Create a mantra to help you remember. Use the mantra.

This year will be different if you make it different. You can actually put this wisdom to use, make a change, make a difference…or not. It’s up to you.

Love always
Paula