I'm sure we all at some time in our life have started writing down our "bucket list" of things we want to do, accomplish, see or be in our life before passing onto the next. I think the past six month I have had been consistently adding to my "bucket list". There have been some incredible (both bad and good) things that I have witnessed that you really don't know when it's your time to pass. 
I just finished reading an amazing book "Left to Tell" by Immaculee Ilibagiza (About Left To Tell Immaculée shares her miraculous story of how she survived during the Rwanda genocide in 1994 when she and seven other women huddled silently together in the cramped bathroom of a local pastor’s house for 91 days! In this captivating and inspiring book, Immaculée shows us how to embrace the power of prayer, forge a profound and lasting relationship with God, and discover the importance of forgiveness and the meaning of truly unconditional love and understanding—through our darkest hours.)
This book was absolutely amazing, inspiring and definitely a tear jerker. To experience a culture holocaust/genocide, I hope I never have to personally witness. To read about one woman's experience of the pain and loss that she went through is really a very humbling experience. 91 days in a bathroom with 7 women, hiding, wondering if their lives would be saved. They didn't know if today or tomorrow would be the day- the day of their death. However 91 days, a lot of thinking would definitely take place. The past, the present and wishing for the future.
I have really thought about this book and the first thought that comes to my mind is "I'm so blessed". This book really allows you to think about life and how things can change in a second.
Taking a look at a completely different but yet similar story. My dear friend told me about a show she watched last night. "Last Lecture" - Professor Randy Pausch. I decided to You Tube the lecture. I listened to the lecture while here at work.
He had a timeline on his life - 3-6 months to live. I don't know if it would be easier to have a timeline or not! He gave his "last lecture" giving some great stories and life experiences. Truly an inspiration to watch!
After listening to his lecture there were a few things that stuck out:
"Be prepared: "luck" is where preparation meets opportunity"
"Find the best in everyone; no matter how you have to wait for them to show it"
"If someone is mad at you, give them time. You can't force them to feel the way you want them to. Just give them time"
"Walls that you hit in your life are there for a reason. They are there for those that are not willing to work at getting over it. To weed out the weak"
and on relationships (advise for women): "Ignore everything he says. Notice everything he does"
Great life lessons !
Carnegie Mellon Professor Randy Pausch (Oct. 23, 1960 - July 25, 2008) gave his last lecture at the university Sept. 18, 2007, before a packed McConomy Auditorium. In his moving presentation, "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams," Pausch talked about his lessons learned and gave advice to students on how to achieve their own career and personal goals.
Two different individuals from two cultures/countries but yet both facing the realization of life coming to an end. I'm so lucky to have dear friends that have opened my eyes and introduced me to these wonderful stories. Ashley for letting me be part of your book club! I absolutely loved this book! And Anita for letting me know about the Lecture! Both awesome stories.
I guess the reason for this blog is: life is too short!
I'm not trying to have this blog be depressing or negative, but really you never know when life will come to an end.
- Make Memories
- Shoot for the Stars
- Never stop laughing.
- LOVE Everyone
- Stay true to yourself
and - NEVER EVER GIVE UP!
