Loss

You never really know how precious life is, until someone you know loses their life.

My hometown lost one of its people. A young man of 22, he was a corrections officer for a nearby town. He was in a motorcycle accident. He had evidently been speeding, and lost control. He hit a light pole at a busy intersection. He was wearing a helmet. He was engaged to be married. He was a wonderful guy, and his family was pretty wonderful too. Tragic, and a tragedy for his family and everyone who knew him.

What hits me hardest? He was only a year older than me.

Life is just so precious, and I feel as if this was a reminder to me. A reminder that life shouldn't be taken for granted, because you never know what will happen to you. You could be hit by a vehicle crossing the street. You could get bit by a poisonous snake or spider (eeew spiders. ugh.)

There are so many things that could happen to you on a daily basis, and while it isn't fair, it's Life. Sh-tuff happens. All you can do is live the life you have to the fullest. Don't take any of the days you are given for granted. Tell the ones you love that you in fact love them.

Haven't talked to your parents in a while? Call them up. Tell them how life's been for you, tell them you love them.

Have a friend on your mind? Call them. Chat em up. Find out how they've been, let them know you care for them, and still consider them a friend.

Life is too short to waste, even with all of these 'improvements' that have been made so that people can live longer, healthier lives. When it's your time to go, it's your time to go.

Make your peace with those who've wronged you.
Don't hold grudges longer than it takes to forgive that person.
Tell your loved ones how you feel about them.
Take a chance on life.
Regret nothing. Everything has a lesson in it.
Find the silver lining in every storm cloud.
Remember all the good times, but also make new memories.
Do something spontaneous.
Curl up with a good book.
Dance like no one is watching.
Sing as if no one is listening.
Act how you want to, but remember there are repercussions for everything you do.
Talk to your grandparents, chances are they don't have another 20+ years for you to come to your senses and realize they know more about some things than you do.

Go on an adventure.
Take a road trip with good friends to a place you've never been.
See the ocean. Any of them.
Take a ride on a plane, a train, a ship.
Go Somewhere. Anywhere.
Find yourself on your own, before you try to find yourself with others.
Have a girl's night out (or in.)
Go out with your friends.

Be compassionate.
Be courageous.
Be humble.
Be kind.

But above all, be yourself.

-Jacq