InspireMeToday  November 23 2013

In my work with the sick and dying, I am all too familiar with having that last day on earth. It is a humbling experience to be present when someone leaves their physical shell behind to journey home. It is in these moments that I am divinely aware of how precious each day is.

Recently, as I held the hand of a woman dying, she whispered this in my ear:

If I had forgiven my son, he’d be holding my hand right now. Tell those around you they need to practice forgiveness and be grateful for the many blessings in their lives. Blessings come in big and small packages. Family is the most precious treasure we carry in our hearts.

Many of my clients say profound things to me as they physically let go. I’ve taken all of their words of wisdom and applied them to my daily living in the hopes that when it is my last day on earth, I can smile knowing I lived a life full of gratitude, joy, and unconditional love.

We have been given a superior gift–the ability to choose the attitude we’ll adopt for the day. When my cup is half empty, I find ways to fill it up. It is my choice to take the high road and work on being more positive, instead of wasting precious time and energy on negative comments, judgments, or anger.

I choose to love unconditionally, cherish friends, and appreciate the beautiful family that supports me and surrounds me in love. We have control over our thoughts, opinions, and actions (or inactions).

The attitude you choose each morning will determine how the rest of your day plays out. How will you make the best of your day?

Make a conscious effort to be more positive. Understand that every challenge you face is an opportunity for growth. Surround yourself with positive people that bring out the best in you. Give back in small ways that make you feel good inside. Remember, the seed of hope was planted at birth–it’s up to you to nourish it.

If this was my last day on earth, I would squeeze little bits of joy out of my day until all those bits exploded around me like confetti. I would tell each one of my eight siblings what a difference they have made in my life. I would thank my mother for being my teacher, best friend, and instilling in me her values and grace. While holding my children tight, I would whisper in their ears that I will be their guiding light and remind them that love doesn’t die.