BESTSELF™ ICEBREAKER | Life Lessons 17

IF YOU WERE GIVEN A YEAR TO LIVE, WHAT WOULD YOU STOP DOING, AND WHAT WOULD YOU START?

Given that I already live my life in 24-hour compartments, I think I’m already living the hell out of my current existence!

STOP:

I would stop watching television and stop scrolling social media (I’ve already stopped watching much).

I would stop stressing about politics.

I would stop addressing my health, which means I’d stop seeing my RMT, chiropractor, and personal trainer.

In recent years I’ve stopped so many things that were not good for me that I couldn’t imagine having to stop anything more.

START:

I would gather the kids and the dogs and take Bill home to bury him the way he requested - I’m dying; who cares if I get Covid?

I would get my affairs in order: call the bank, change ownership of all my property and art, liquefy all my assets, and update my will.

I would finish my novel in progress. I’d edit it as best I can with the help of my writing coach and editor. I’d make it undeniably publishable.

I would finish the family recipe project for my kids. I’d make every recipe, take photos - not just of the food but of my kids enjoying their favourites - and print four copies.

I would have my kids come home on a rotating basis, then on every 5th weekend, have all four of them home at the same time.

I would sit on the couch, preferably outside, with my dogs and pet them for hours at a time while listening to the waves or watching the sunset over Lake Huron.

I would go out with friends and enjoy their company. Nothing fancy. Just super casual and fun.

I would tell everyone I love that I love them (I’m blessed with a long list).

I would tell everyone who hurt me to go to hell (it’s a short list - I’ve forgotten nothing but forgiven much - for me, not them).

I would hire staff: a cook, a housekeeper, a gardener, and a cleaner. I would never do chores ever again.

I would read as many books in my TBR pile as possible.

I would drink only Cakebreads Sauvignon Blanc.

I would buy a Bentley convertible.

I would visit every waterfall in my area, and if there was time, all of them along the Bruce Trail.

I would return to the forest labyrinth doused in DEET.

I would go to Greenland, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Shetland Islands, and Norway. I do like it cold!

I would start (maybe finish, but doubtful) Swedish Death Cleaning so my kids wouldn’t have to do it.

I am truly surprised at how long my “start” list is. Much are currently works in progress, but I figure, since I am hopeful I have more than a year, most on that list is attainable! Then again, other things on the list are pure fantasy land.

Now, I have a list of my own. What do I already do that I’d keep doing?

I would continue to meditate daily.

I would continue to take all of my medication.

I would continue to go to my energy healer, coach, acupuncturist, and therapist.

I would continue to post here on my website and Instagram/Facebook.

I would continue to go out with friends and enjoy their company. Nothing fancy. Just super casual and fun. (It’s up there ^^^ but worth saying again.)

I would continue to have daily conversations - Facetime, phone, or text - with all of my kids.

I would continue to allow my dogs to take up most of the space in my king-sized bed.

I would continue to give voice to new story ideas.

I would continue to love and live the hell out of my life.

I have a fabulous life. I recognize that I’m fortunate to live any life I want - a privilege enjoyed by few, especially women.

I live in a constant state of gratitude.