Life is Short

… and so is this post!

You may have heard this phrase many times in your life. In fact, I’m certain of this! It’s often the advice given by people who are near the end of theirs… but they’re not wrong. Life is short and there’s no time to waste it. You may feel like a lifetime is a long time, but even if we were to live for 100 years, it’s still pretty short in the grand scheme of things. We have books older than that, trees, building, etc. 100 years isn’t that long because you're working for half of it and the other half is split between being a child and growing old and vulnerable. What brings this on you ask? Well, last weekend I had a night that made me think about life and what it has to offer… and then I thought about what I had to offer and asked myself if I was truly being the best version of me.

It’s easy to regret things when life isn’t going so well but it’s equally as important to value life when it’s going well too. I don't need to tell you twice when I say that grudges, bad blood, and regrets aren’t worth it in the long run. If you have unfinished business I’d strongly urge you to clear the air or end on good terms if you can. It’s not always possible but if you were told right now that you’ll never see an individual again would that change things? If it does, that’s your answer. It’s funny how life is only put into perspective once it’s too late and we’ve been told a million times how life is short and yet we still shrug it off. Last weekend I had the privilege of being in the company of three powerful and independent women. We laughed all night and had a great time but I also learned a few things: Firstly, I learned that I wanted to boss life like them too. Secondly, we really must take in the moment and appreciate it for everything it has to offer and lastly, that life is short.

“life is too short, so live your life to the fullest…every second of your life just treasure it..”

William Shakespeare

I knew all these things (as may you), but for some reason on that particular night, it resonated with me. Did I know people who were taken from this earth way too soon? Yes. Did I know people who lived past the 100’s? Yes! Is there any way to know when our time will come? Absolutely not. I’ve known healthy people with good hearts pass early and unhealthy people who weren’t so nice last for the longest (and everything in-between). Don’t worry, I won’t go all morbid on you for the entire post but I guess the point I am trying to make here is that life is short and even if we can’t foresee how long we have, we can control what happens during our time. I guess the real lesson we should be taking from this fact is that life is too short not to be happy. Happiness is truly wealth and without it, you’re not living a full life. We all want to leave a legacy but first and foremost let’s try at least to live for our happiness… Not money, not materialistic things (but of course, chase that bag too!) but the real wealth is health and happiness. Honestly.

So WHY aren’t we living our best lives?

I think in this generation this is even harder to achieve. Sadly, fear is our biggest hindrance; whether that’s a fear of what will be, consequences, stability or what others may think. Fear will have you “playing it safe” all your life and although that’s not necessarily a bad thing, more times than not the individual that played it safe ended life with the biggest regrets. We may want to pursue something that we feel passionate about and then Impostor syndrome will shut down that dream just as quickly as you said: “let’s get it!” For those who may not be familiar with the term, Impostor syndrome (otherwise known as Stockholm syndrome) is the phenomenon of feeling like a fraud or incompetent (even if you’re far from this) and the individual may feel like they are not deserving of a position or title and that someone may find out and expose them soon. Not surprisingly, this is more common in high achievers and those who are at the top of their field but everyone has experienced this to some degree.

Why must we doubt ourselves and lower our value? Why can’t you be the best in the room? Why does it have to be a mistake that they picked you? It isn’t true but Imposter syndrome is one hell of a drug. It will make even the world’s smartest and successful people think that they’re not worth it all but the truth is, you are enough and you can be anyone you want in this life. The truth is, some of the people you look up to and are inspired by aren’t even the best. The only difference is that those at the top took initiative and went for it whilst you’ve been aware of your talent but instead of putting everything into it, you’ve been contemplating following it seriously. Sometimes you just have to “fake it til you make it” because by the time you build the confidence to go for it, you’re years (maybe decades) older with new priorities and you would have missed the opportunity (P.S, you’ll never think you’re ready until you take the plunge). We don’t have to be polished straight away, that’s what practice and commitment are for, but in life, we get one shot, so it’s always worth taking your best one whilst you can!

More times than not the individual that played it safe ended life with the biggest regrets

Life is way too short to be waiting around and contemplating; I don’t know about you (and I’m not sure if it’s my age showing here) but the years are flying past like THAT * imaginary click *. Just look at how fast this year has passed already and you’ll see what I mean. I say this as someone who isn’t that old, yet I couldn’t tell you how fast the last 5 years have gone. Life keeps going on like a high-speed train on steroids! Before you know it the years have passed and then one day you realise that you didn’t do what you wanted to or you weren’t your true self. You got comfortable, you settled. Now I know this is going to step on some necks but it’s the truth! The worst part? I hear that life, later on, doesn’t slow down either. We’re over 6 months into this year and we’re only a blink away from Christmas!

Just go for it

To round things off, I’d just like to remind you of a few things: although time may feel limited, you’re never too young to follow your dreams. Your 20’s and 30’s may feel mature but there’s still time too! I know during this post I’ve emphasised that life is short (OK I promise that’s the last time I’ll say that phrase!) but that’s not to say that we must rush things either. It’s equally important to take things slow when you need it so please remember to look after yourself too! It’s perfectly fine to take time out when you need it and “living your best life” doesn’t always mean turning up to the max, it may mean a short holiday or going into hibernation. Remember, as much as we only get one life, we should also preserve it so that it serves us for as long as possible. Your mental and emotional health is just as important!

I wanted to remind you all that you all have something that you are GREAT at. You may not feel like you are good enough, but I promise that you are. Whatever it is that you’re passionate about and makes you happy, invest your time in that. Do you want to be an Artist, Musician, Writer, YouTube, Podcaster…. whatever? DO IT and do it now! For once in your life have faith in yourself and you might just have a surprise!

Finally, remember to tell your family and friends that you love them always and check up on them too. There are a lot of people living with fears and doubts and sometimes all they need is one person to listen to them. Don’t get caught up in fake realities when there are real people right in front of you!

We pray that tomorrow comes but it isn’t always promised.

Sending all the love,

Liz x