March 3, 2008 marked a new chapter in the book of my life.  Eight years ago today, was my Second Life Day. I was rushed to the hospital in a near-comatose state in a story that I’ve repeated ad nauseum. I don’t want to retread on the same story, but can’t help but be contemplative today. How my life has changed in the past eight years, largely thanks to that life-altering event, is remarkable. The changes and evolution that I’ve made both on a personal and spiritual level are impressive. Or at least they are to me, which is frankly all that matters.

In the past eight years, I’ve (re)found my soul mate. I’ve discovered my own inner light and continued my own growth. I’ve had the opportunity to travel (multiple trips to Disney World, a trip to California, NYC, Montréal, and many smaller road trips in between). I’ve had my heart stolen by the most adorable, cuddly, loving kitty on the face of the earth. I’ve progressed in my career. I’ve reconnected with my Dad. I’ve come to be at peace with who I am and accept and love myself as I am.

The motto I adopted eight years ago still rings true, even if I do occasionally need to be reminded of it.

I recognize now that the fact that my diabetes had been perfectly controlled for 7 of the past 8 years, only to have some challenges in the past year, is because my body was trying to remind me of this fact. It was a warning sign that things could be heading off the rails a bit. I need to refocus and find my true happiness again. I need to find that peace and love of every little moment of life, of every sandwich.

If I can pass one message on to you today, it’s that life is far too short and too precious to let yourself be occupied by worry and fear. Don’t worry about tomorrow since it hasn’t happened. Don’t regret yesterday since it’s done. Just live for today and take a moment to appreciate all of the little things in life. Be thankful that you could get up this morning. Be thankful that your body allows you to do the things you do. Be recognizant of everything you have in your life. Even if you think you don’t have enough, you have more than many others. I am truly blessed.  My life is a series of wonders both big and small.  Take stock of your own life.  Enjoy it while you can because you never know when your time will be up.

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