🌼 When Loss Reminds Us What Matters Most
Welcome to this Start Fresh mini from the Om WOW Podcast. Let’s reset our mindset and start the week with clarity and intention. This one’s a bit more serious than usual and it’s very short. I’m honestly having trouble even finding words.
Listen to the short episode:
Episode #20: Transcript
I don't watch the news because of its focus on perpetuating the negative. But I recently learned on Facebook that one of my friends suddenly, violently lost her husband.
I'm keeping this vague to protect the family's privacy, but when I read the details of what happened, I just started bawling. He put his life on the line to protect others, and in an instant, he was gone forever. Gone.
The Jolt
His friends and family had no warning that that would be his last day. I've experienced a lot of loss this year personally, but I can't even fathom the pain of this type of instant violent loss, especially of a spouse. It's a bitter reminder to fully appreciate your loved ones every day, to make sure they know you love and care for them to not hold onto meaningless arguments or grudges to be mindful of how you interact with those you love and care for. And how you prioritize spending time with them, communicating with them, and truly being present with them.
And not be only partially there with a side eye on your phone or devices. I feel indescribable, deep pain in the core of my being for this tragedy. And all the people whose lives will never be the same.
The Reality of Middle Age
So many tragedies and deaths have happened this year to people around me who are roughly my age. With each incident, it's jolted me that it could have been me, it could have happened in my life. And I don't think anything prepares us for this middle age of life. Where our parents' health may start to decline, some of our high school friends pass away or get very sick, and we start to become aware of our own mortality and the reality that these precious people we love won't always be with us.
A Shift in Perspective
I spent several hours today on meaningless tasks. Like online comparison, shopping for a few household items. Busy work. Learning about this tragedy jolted me. After calming down, I shifted my perspective. I am still here, my husband is still here. How can I best use the time I have and best enjoy the company of the people who remain in my life?
It made me think about the old song by Tim McGraw, "Live like You Are Dying." Like, what would we do with our days if we knew this was our last day? Or how would we be acting if we knew this was the last day one of our loved ones would be alive?
Choosing What Matters
Personally, I wanna be a better steward of my time. I choose to focus on the things that actually matter in my life and to refocus myself again off of time wasting activities and mindless empty distractions. You know, like hours of comparison shopping.
I'll be holding on to those I love with hugs that last a little longer.
A Challenge for You
As you head into this week, I challenge you to focus on gratitude for having the people in your life right now who you love and care for. I challenge you to let them know how much they mean to you. Even if it feels awkward, don't leave anything unsaid.
I appreciate you for being here, for listening.
If this mini spoke to you, share it with a friend & let me know in the comments below— your energy makes a difference.
Take care my friends.
Meet Our Host: Jennifer Robin O’Keefe
Jennifer Robin serves as a relatable, down-to-earth, REAL Wellness & Success Coach. She’s not a fancy, perfect makeup, airbrushed kind of woman. She’s been told many times, in a variety of environments, that she’s easy to talk to, and makes others feel welcome and comfortable. Her mission in life is both simple and profound: to make others feel worthy.
Professionally, Jennifer holds several wellness certifications including Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Tapping, Thought Field Therapy (TFT) Tapping, Reiki, and more. She continuously expands her knowledge in the fields of Qi Gong, Xien Gong, Vibration/Energy Wellness and Natural Health. She also studied extensively with Jack Canfield, and serves as a Certified Canfield Trainer, authorized to teach "The Success Principles."
She’s an active reader and researcher who loves to learn, and one of her biggest joys is teaching and sharing what she’s discovered with others.
