Today was my mother’s younger sister’s funeral. All who knew my Aunt Marilyn loved her. I seriously doubt she had one enemy. Even her ex-husband’s family and the family of her ex-daughter-in-law came to not only show their support, but to openly weep with those of us who wept. Sadly, sometimes it’s only in death that the true life of someone really shines forth.
As I continue to reflect on the events of today, I realize that it is not in the lofty words we speak, the new ventures that come our way or even the pursuit of our own happiness that makes living life worthwhile. It’s in the simple hug of a loved one we haven’t seen in years, the easy banter between childhood friends reminiscing over memories of long ago and the simplistic knowing that we are right on target in where we should be in our lives.
Someone once said that “happiness is the highest human emotion.” I’d like to offer another take. I say, “Living life fulfilled (whole and complete with a sense of joy and purpose–my definition) surpasses any human emotion! For happiness is a temporary fix induced by chance. Fulfillment is on a whole other level. It is a sense of wholeness in which happiness cannot compare
I suppose that’s the beauty in the death of a believer. There is true fulfillment knowing you have touched the lives of others in a deep, profound way that will far outlive you.
So it’s now up to you. What are you grappling after? pining over? regretting? Let today be a new day full of new dreams . . . not dreams of materialistic possessions or notoriety, but in finding your “sweet spot”–the place where you become fulfilled.
Nice post Dana!!!
Thank you! Merry Christmas to you and your family.