Last Week on Earth
Every time I hear of a of a person’s death that was random, I always wonder, if they had only known that this was to be their last day. Would they have not of been in such a rush? A rush to get to work, a rush to make that promotion, a rush to close that multimillion dollar deal. Would the rush to make it in life, have been less significant? Then I wonder, if they had only known, would they have slowed down? Maybe then, they would have really looked at their husband or wife, told their children things they forgot to tell them, and perhaps forgiven their estranged sibling. If they had only known that these were going to be their last hours, maybe, just maybe they could have have had the chance to do things differently.
As the 2011 New Zealand earthquakes were unfolding, I watched the television screen, and stared in disbelief at the Christchurch shattered CBD buildings. Once standing firm and high, once busy, full of people rushing to make that meeting, anxious to reach those KPI’s, sweating to please the boss. And I knew that just seconds before the buildings had collapsed, there was a sales person in there, on the phone in negotiation of closing a significant contract. There was a woman in there, anxious in the midst of her monthly review, her boss displeased that she wasn't reaching her targets. And I’m sure among them was another gentleman being told these very words, ‘I’m sorry but we will have to let you go,’ distressed as how he was going to pay that mortgage. And within seconds, Mother Nature was furious, the earth shook, it was over. Had they've known, would the stress of making it have been so important?
So why is it that we’re in such a rush? Is it that we feel that the more successful we become, the larger our home gets, the fancier our car stands, the further immortal we become? Does status make people feel as though they are everlasting? And if so, why is it that during every flood you see a Porsche floating next to an old Ford, in the midst of debris on the television screen? Clearly, it seems that these drowning metallic objects hold no status in a flood or tragedy?
As a society, some of us may suffer from status anxiety, and many do fear poverty and failure. We look down on those in minimal jobs or free spirits who have little, yet who may also possess extreme happiness, perhaps not aware that they may hold more freedom than we know. Not bound by career and obligation. Not fearful of a sinking status. And perhaps to them status is having peace of mind. We’re in a rush to get somewhere and be somebody, that we forget to slow down, and to notice what’s important. To focus on the smaller details, rather than the bigger scheme. Perhaps life isn’t about working 95000 hours for fifty years so we could be somebody. Maybe life is about slowing down and being remembered by the people that we care most about.
So if you knew that this week was going to be your last, what do you wish you could have done differently?
Comments
Always hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.
Our one person bodies only feel two emotions.. Which is strongest??? Most say fear... Fear of what, the unknown... Step into the fear of the unknown with love and see real changes happen
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Thoreau wrote "It is desirable that a man live in all respects so simply and preparedly that if an enemy take the town... he can walk out the gate empty-handed and without anxiety.” At moments and times like you describe one can be at peace knowing each breath may be the last. May we all be ready and live in such a way that there is no regret or fear. Thank you for a lovely Hub.
Great article. We do need to slow down and enjoy every moment. All too often easier said than done though. Love is the key to happiness, in my opinion anyway!
an interesting hub Ranzi.. was so curious about that fat-chick who tried to seduce me in high school.. I'd pay her a visit...
Great Hub..... Personally I learned to love life and love living so I may not do much different if I knew today was it.
People in general have to learn to love life and love living again - we need to stop using people and loving things and do it the right way - love people and use things.
Great hub
- AUTHOR
Nice to meet you Maria!
I have also enjoyed your writing and will check out your article as soon as I post this comment.
I have not visited this page in 13 months now, so thanks for reminding me to stop and breath once again.
Thanks for reading and your kind comment about me being wise, although I do believe I have a long way to go.
Dear Ranzi,
You have so much I wish to read. I was drawn to this first because of the tapestry of my life experience.
I wrote a little something similar in the Relativity of Time after Survival.
The lessons were hard learned but I indeed stop, take time to appreciate life and live every day as if it were my last. You are wise.
Voted UP & UABI-- insightful writing. Hugs, Maria
- AUTHOR
Hey Winsome, I like what you said 'Time is our servant, not the other way around.' we usually forget or don't know this. I will definitely check out your hub!
thanks for reading :)
Hi Ranzi, I guess we have been thinking about the same thing. My last hub was Slow Down Time and Start Living Your Life. Time is our servant, not the other way around. Thanks for a thoughtful read. =:)
- AUTHOR
Hey tsmog, it’s good to be a busy bee sometimes. Being active is great for the soul, but it’s important not to stress about the minor things during these activities. It's great you have your gradent o reflect and chill out.
Thanks for your positive comment :)
I don't know , , ,I rush sometimes because I did slow down , , ,I hang out in my garden too long, then realize I have to get to work, then I rush like a busy, busy bee to all the other busy, busy bees , , ,then my garden is just a memory as I rush through the day doing all my job tasks , , ,you are right maybe progress has more negatives than positives in some ways , , ,great hub and fantastic food for thought , , ,rememember to have fun, fun, fun
- AUTHOR
Thanks for your comments sven and bozzo
youmeget, yes it could be too late. thanks this is a nice hub https://hubpages.com/religion-philosophy/Time-Is-S
Nowhere man, I'm glad you liked it.
Froggy, thanks for your comment, yes it's such a fast paced society, and of course we don't know any better. I always have to remind myself to breathe.
Sometimes we rush because we are used to such a fast paced society. Sometimes we rush because we don't know any better. There is an art to learning to slow the train down and an even greater art in learning to get off the damned thing and take time to smell the roses. They are there - just take a deep breath.
Awesone and up Ranzi.
The Frog
this is a great article article, should be more of this type of honest writing in the world!
It would be too late to do anything.
I've added one of my favourite hubs
https://hubpages.com/religion-philosophy/Time-Is-S
youmeget
this is so true. I saw this show on tv about this teaches who accidently killed her baby by forgetting it in the car. She had so much going on in her life that after this devastation she knows that she has to slow down. Good stuff
I totally agree. People are always rushing, running and reaching for a better job, a better life, better money. They don't slow down. Life is short
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