"The bittersweet tears shed over graves
are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone." Harriet Beecher Stowe
We all know someone who has suffered a tragedy in life, survived, and then turned things around. Lived with a new appreciation, a new sense of what really matters, and committed to completing each day in a way that would leave no room for regrets.
I talked with a friend the other day who had heart surgery. He said he recently rediscovered a list of 100 things he wanted to do in his life, which he written in a high school class... many years ago. He checked off a number of things already completed, decided he no longer needs to climb Mt. Everest, and is working on a few dreams and goals he had postponed or forgotten.
Haven't we all heard enough of these kinds of inspiring stories that we shouldn't need personal medical catastrophes, heartbreaks, or misfortunes to treasure the preciousness of each day?
I don't think so. Research shows many heart patients revert within a couple of years to the life habits -- poor diets, lack of exercise, smoking -- that contributed to, if not created, their poor health to begin with. Personal experience tells me people make unsatisfactory trade-offs and start on the road toward regret in life every day.
The Stowe quote is a bit forlorn, but still a succinct reminder about the importance of keeping intentions and actions on the same course. Wouldn't the world be a better place if more of us, when we feel the impulse to thank someone, we would take the time to make that simple gesture and not let other things get in the way. "The right moment" may never come. Wouldn't the world be a better place if, in this age of emailing, blogging, Facebooking, Twittering, and social networking, we all spent a bit more time making sure we're connecting to the people and projects and passions that matter to us most? The reward in those actions are the best reminders about how to live fulfilled.
Make a Difference,
Brian
Blog: Brian@GrowthWorks -- Life, Learning and Leadership
More quotes in Time Out for Leaders...
