Working in a Cancer field, it is not difficult to witness the loss of a loved-one. Sadly we are surrounded by dying people and they do not even know it. Even though they are breathing and going strong, they are dying a slow and painful death. Their reality leads them to believe they are living, but indeed they are just going through motions. Their whole outlook on life is filled with fear and anger, when it should be filled with joy and happiness.

Optimistic people see the world as their oyster and are willing to take the risk of going to far. The pessimist is unwilling to test the boundary waters and remains grounded in fear. The optimist lives life to the fullest, while the pessimist sees only the shortcomings of life.

Today’s conversation really brought this to light. Today, while taking care of a terminally ill cancer patient, a patient began to spill all of her short-comings and her dreams that she never accomplished. She began to cry in regret, while my partner and I just sat to listen. We sat for two reasons: one, this was a very emotional time and someone needed to listen to her;  secondly…she may not make it another week and the least we could do is listen.

We sat while she shared regrets of not being able to forgive more freely and regrets of not sharing more gratitude with her family and closest friends. Quite a valuable lesson for us all, as we often get caught in the trap of our daily lives. We all could use a reminder to live more present-moment and forgive freely to those who wrong us throughout our days.

Secondly, we must have gratitude in our hearts for all the days leading to this one. Whether they went as planned or they lead to a brighter future, we must hold ourselves in gratitude. It is a two-part lesson of gratitude that this holds true: one we hold gratitude for things that come into our lives, but two…for things that are about to come into our lives. Holding gratitude in our hearts, we attract more of what we want into our lives.

I could not help think about this poor woman and how she was about to die, but then she had her aha moment. The Death of Ivan Ilyich came to mind when listening to her. Ivan Ilyich was a powerful king who, on his death bed, turned to his wife and stated, “What if my whole life was wrong?” Speaking this on his last breath, he died in his wife’s arms. We do not have to wait until our death-bed to rediscover our dreams and truths, instead make the efforts today and see where your life leads. Just as this woman showed us, we mustn’t wait until our death bed to take steps towards our dreams and intentions…the time is now.

Stepping into the Canvas in a Single Breath. It is in this magical breath, that life is given. Give thanks for the breath, give thanks for the life thus far, give thanks for the life that awaits you around the next turn. It is a day of celebration and we should remember this moment. This is the day your life will surely change…Have a glorious day!