Emerge Unstoppable in 2011!

Emerge Unstoppable in 2011! That's my mission this year. Join me as I blog about life during divorce, raising a three year old, and the fight to live one's dream of being a writer, a graphic designer, a prayerfully a success at it all.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

If I Died Today, What Would You Say?

Today's topic is difficult for most people. It is that of our mortality. In W. Gary Gore’s book Navigating Change he asks yet another tough question: What would my family, friends and associates say about me if I died today?

My life has been so upside down lately that I can only imagine my friends, family and associates being grateful I am…gone. I mean really, I’ve had nothing to talk about but sad, angry, lonely poop that has happened in my life over the last eight months or so. Who wants to listen to that? Even I don't want to listen to that anymore.

Honestly, that's why I’m on this journey to determine my core purpose, the meaning of my life. What I’ve found over the last eight months is that I haven’t been a good friend. I have been difficult to talk to, to listen to; I have been frustrated, angry, hurt and have nothing to intellectual to share. I don’t want to be that person anymore. So what would my friends, family and associates say about me if I died today?

  • Finally! She found some peace.
  • We didn't see her enough!
  • We'll miss her spirit!
That's not how I want to leave this life or this world. So I'm going to leave with you my favorite poem by Andrea Alban Gosline:

Sing my song
In children dancing
And lovebirds soaring
From the nest to the moon.

Tell my story
To jasmine twining
And willows swaying
In the long summer sun.

Look for me
In peaceful eyes of mothers
And faces of their babies
In contented sleep.

Remember me
In quiet nights of winter
And mornings of new flowers,
Dreaming of spring.

Living life isn’t about the bad. It isn’t about sharing what hurts. It’s about sharing what you are grateful for and let me tell you, I’m grateful for so many things (another post for another day). No really, I made a list.

What about you? What would your friends, family and associates say if you died today? How does that make you feel? Would you change anything?

Living a grateful life, I remain Unstoppable.

10 comments:

  1. I would say you were a loving spirit working hard to be the best person you could be and trying to live an amazing life all while raising a daughter and supporting the both of you. I see someone heading in the right direction even though the trail is difficult. You know I'm right there with you. Hugs

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  2. Thanks Denise. I'm so glad you are traveling along this path and appreciate you being here with me. Warm regards - Lindy

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  3. I'm pretty sure you sent me that poem when my Mom passed. It really stuck with me. I have shared it with others and referred back to it when ever I lost someone.
    I would say you were a true inspiration in so many different ways and I never got to spend as much time with you as I would have liked. Love you big Cousin!!

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  4. Thanks Mel. Love you too. And, I think we need to change that time thing. Let's get together.

    - Lindy

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  5. I have no idea what anybody would say about me if I were to die today, but if we lost YOU, well, dear Lindy, the world would never be the same. Sad, angry, lonely poop? If that's what's on your mind, then I am happy to hear it. Because I know you will also hear mine. That's what friends are for. Hang in there, my friend. The best is yet to be!

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  6. Thank you for quoting my poem on your blog! I originally wrote that for a sympathy card that was sold at Papyrus stores worldwide. I, too, recently divorced after 21 years of marriage and am proud to report that my ex and I are amicable and will forever be partners as parents. Good luck to you and many good wishes for comfort and peace.
    All best,
    Andrea Alban
    Author of ANYA'S WAR and THE HAPPINESS TREE
    http://www.andreaalban.com

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  7. Pam, if I lost you today words would cease to exist. You aremy fellow wordsmith and traveler in this great mystery and I wouldn't know what to do if you weren't with me. Let me assure you, if I died today I come back and hount you until you published that book! :-) Love - Lindy

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  8. Andrea, I am honored that you stopped by and thank you. I will add you and your family to my grateful list - I am grateful that you and your ex remain amicable and parenting partners. I hope to follow in your footsteps, eventually.

    I will look for you in other circles, but know if you are ever in Atlanta, you have a friend to call.

    Wishing you the best,
    Lindy

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  9. If I were to go today, it would be said, "He didn't have to die to get to a better place ... he could have driven 50 miles in any direction!"

    Andrea's poem was beautiful. When I think of "for those left behind writings", I Think of This You may have seen at least parts of it - its 150 years old. Sadly, his wife never got it.

    Seriously though, if I were to go back to my *real* home today, it would be said, "Holy Smoke! Look at all this junk we have to go through! But first, lets split up the guitars!!!"

    Great post, as always, RR

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  10. RR - Thanks for sharing. I read that letter and think, "Some day, someone, somewhere." But not today. I priase that kind man for fighting for our Country and I praise him further for opening his heart, and you for opening yours. Guitars? Many, many? Go get 'em! L

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