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Språkcafé #35, 14/08/2024: If I had a year left to live...



Yesterday I met a friend. She said she attends a seminar called "If I Had One Year Left To Live". I thought it was an interesting way to think about life. And useful.


The other day a friend also wrote on Facebook:


We convince ourselves that life is better after we get married, after we have children, and then another. Then we get frustrated because kids aren't old enough yet, and we think we'll be happier when they are. Next we complain about having to deal with teenagers, and we're sure we'll be glad when they get out of that phase. We tell ourselves that our lives will be complete when our partner gets it, when we get a better car, when we can go on vacation, or when we retire.


The truth is, there is no better time to be happy than now. If not now then when? Life will always be full of challenges. It is better to accept it and decide to be happy anyway.


A quote from Alfred D. Souza says:


"For a long time I thought that life was about to begin - real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to get over first, some unfinished work, time left to serve, or a debt to pay. Then life will begin. At last I realized that these obstacles were my life."


This perspective helped me understand that there is no one path to happiness. Happiness is the way.


So, cherish every moment you have and cherish it even more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to deserve your time... and remember that time waits for no one.


So, stop waiting to lose ten pounds, gain ten pounds, have kids, see your kids leave home, start a job, retire, get married, get divorced, until Friday night, until Sunday morning, to get a new car or a new car home, to pay off your car or your house, until spring, until summer, until winter, until your song plays, until you've had a drink... There's no better time to be happy than now.


Happiness is a journey, not a destination.


Work as if you don't need the money,

Love like you've never been hurt,

And dance like nobody's watching.


Are we living the way we want? Are we using our time on earth as we should? Do we regret anything?...

 
 
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