As we get older we begin to perceive our lives as one obstacle after the other, rather then looking at it as a challenge with lessons, learning and sacrifice. If you stop and think about seeing your first love for the very first time, your first kiss, the anticipation of turning 16, or watching the birth of your new born child, it is inevitable that life is precious and accelerates much too fast to waste one ounce of it's limited time. The facts are that everyone that knows you now will judge you upon your death on how you have consumed your time or what you leave behind as your legacy. Think back to anyone you have lost by death, and all the stories that are shared about them now that they are no longer with us on the blissful earth. That is their legacy.She was so caring, his door was always open for anyone in need, she put everyone before herself, he was a dedicated father, such an intelligent person, she was quite self absorbed, but I guess she meant well; you get the idea. Thinking about death leaves all of us unsettled, but to those who lack spirituality, the concept of dying scares to death. So many of us waste our precious hours in life focusing on fears, jealousy or what could happen to us. We tend to look for something more all the time; wanting bigger homes, nicer automobiles, better jobs, better lovers, or what everyone else has instead of appreciating or recognizing our own personal blessings. These moments serve as wasted time and practiced only to fill a void when we are lonely or to counteract the fears we have that we are inadequate.

Self-reflection should serve as a wake up call and encourage you to seek stronger stepping stones and strength through the next chapter in your journey of life. Thinking about my legacy does not leave me worrying about what others think of me; however it encourages me to get the most out of life as possible as our days on earth are so limited as well as pass by with just a blink of an eye. I can't count the times I have reflected back to all the changes I would invoke if I could only turn back the hands of time. I have grown to understand that the mistakes that I have made from free will have allowed me to make better decisions and approach each and every obstacle with a different attitude in my journey through life. If I had not taken risks, or stood up to challenges, I would not have grown emotionally, mentally or spiritually in the ways required to become fulfilled. I think back to all the lovely people that have been in my life for a different reason then what I assumed that they had been placed there for. Many were only there for a short time, but I can now appreciate the reason the were there. Consequently, I overcame trying to make people fit and now just allow myself to reach out and go for the unknown without standing on guard.

Instead of wasting time on fearing what others are doing, have done to you, or material accomplishments, I urge you to start to think about what you can do to benefit other people through your love, respect, and openness. Begin to think of what you want to leave behind as your legacy. If your journey through life ended today, what would your legacy be? I promise you practicing and living by giving will leave you much more peaceful then worrying about things that can't be changed. In the journey through life it is inevitable that we all struggle to become better people. There is a process of learning and potential to become stronger and understand that we all must walk through the valley of darkness to find the light that leads us to love and happiness in our lives. The significance is what you take from the lessons in that darkness to discover what it is that you deserve in this lifetime. Take what you are given and use it to encourage, practice, and share happiness in your own life. Develop a passion to reach your goals and look at tomorrow not yesterday.

You are the only one in control of your own actions, regrets, and direction. Let your tears diminish as you accept that you can't change a person's heart, desires, or choices. They are the ones in control. Understand that you are worth more then asking them to change for you. If they are not willing or capable of offering the love you so much desire or deserve, please take control of your own happiness and turn those tears of sorrow into tears of happiness. Do this only because you love yourself enough to move on, accept what you can't change, and free yourself up to open the doorway for someone who can fulfill you the way you deserve to be fulfilled. You deserve nothing less.

Lynn