I don't mean "ready" within the Christian definition. I don't actually expect the world to end today, but the rapture theory gives us an opportunity to reflect on our lives. If the world did end today, would you have any regrets? I have been thinking a lot about this over the past several weeks, not only because of the rapture theory, but also as my birthday approaches.
Of course, I do have a few events in my personl history that I am not especially proud of. I suspect that some of them would surprise people I love or challenge them in emotional, intellectual or spiritual ways for which they might not be ready. Other events would likely subject me to more judgment, if not prejudice, from people who (think they) need life to function in ways that conflict with my reality. It's okay. I do not need to be a catalyst for upsets in their perceived balance, so I sometimes keep quiet. I choose my battles more carefully now, knowing it's not about me. Only my world is about me. ;)
In my world, I truly have no regrets. My choices, including my errors, have made me who I am today--what I think is a loving, good, hard-working woman of integrity. It is only in the world of others that I fear judgment, rejection and harm.
I've had a full life of hardship, lack, pain, sadness, and loss, but is has been balanced with love, wealth within my definition (not necessarily monetary wealth), sufficiency, strength, growth, joy, and adventure. I am not ready to go. There is still much to experience. I want to see Italy, China, Germany, more of France (including Alsace), India, Africa, Australia, England, New Zealand, Iceland, Antarctica, and basically most of the world. I want to speak additional languages fluently, write a book (or maybe more), inspire and empower, dance, sing, laugh, cook, love, eat, surf, jump run, skydive, paddle, climb, camp, hike, and live fully. :) There is so very much yet to enjoy. :) But if my last chance was today, I don't think I'd feel cheated. Life as a whole has been good.
To balance the absence of my father, I've had uncles, neighbors, cousins, and an amazing mother who did both jobs extraordinarily well under the circumstances. *hugs* When I feel rejected and unappreciated by my given family, I have chosen family in my friends--many of whom have loved and supported me for one to three decades.
To balance the money and stuff I don't have, I've always had just enough to keep my body, mind and soul healthy. Someone has always stepped in and shared what they could. Often, I've had a little extra and have been able to share the excess so that someone like me could keep going despite his or her own lack.
I was given a strong, healthy body when my spirit was vulnerable and easily-manipulated. I survived emotional, physical and sexual abuse, even when I thought it better to surrender.
I've fully participated in this world. I've been a part of this grand machine. If it stopped today, I'd have no regrets.
Do you feel the same about your life? If not, here are some steps you can take to improve the way you experience your world (at least until December 2012, when the Mayans' Doomsday is predicted to occur):
- Forgive yourself for any perceived errors and trust they were necessary to get you to this day when you are now ready to take new action.
- Apologize to people you have harmed. Don't make excuses or try to justify your choices and actions. Own them as part of your story and own the feelings you have about them. Then, allow all of them to be in the past--where none of us is.
- Do penance where you feel an imbalance. If you've been dishonest, adopt a new practice of loving, gentle honesty even when it's difficult or inconvenient. If you've stolen money, property, time, or hope in your self-absorption, pay it back in a way your victim says he or she will feel compensated.
- Trust yourself and be good to you. Be a little selfish, but not self-absorbed. We are all in a life together, but only your life is yours. Don't wait for someone or something to fix your life. Only you have the responsibility--or tools--to take care of you.
In sum, each day (including this purported Doomsday) brings a new life for you, if you embrace it. Today is all there is. What will you make of it? :) xo
Nance L. Schick, Esq. is a counselor at law, business and conflict resolution. She advises actors, authors, construction contractors, designers, fitness and yoga instructors, film and stage producers, models, and other small businesses on a variety of operational issues, and she defends employers of all sizes in workers’ compensation claims. She takes their success personally and works tirelessly to help them achieve beyond their expectations. For more information, go to www.nschicklaw.com.
