101 Things to do before I die

[kathrynlily82]

In November of 2007, I decided to write a list of things to do before I die and made the decision to make sure that I made them happen. About a week ago I was talking to a friend on the phone who I haven't talked to in about 6 months. While we were catching up, he said he was proud of me for really "living it up" and taking risks and diving right into life. when I told him everything I've experienced and my new ways of viewing things, I completely agreed. But if someone were to ask me before that conversation, " are you really living your life?" I would have been very critical, picking apart how many things I haven't done on that list of 101 that I subconsciously carry around with me. Yesterday, I decided to pull that list out and read it. It was my mission to get my life "together" and start doing what I'm "supposed" to be doing. When I started reading the list, I realized that I had been dreaming pretty small compared to now. I also realized that I had accomplished 5 things on the list! One of the things made me blush, another made me laugh out loud in memory of it, and in general I was remembering, celebrating and appreciating each of  the moments. It was a very emotional experience, and what I came back to was my New Year's Resolution: to be less hard on myself, more forgiving.
Sometimes, I get so caught up in the act of accomplishing something that I miss the Process, which is really all that matters. Not only do I feel lost the entire way through, but I miss the joy that was supposed to come from the experience. We're here on this planet to experience all of the wonder, the lessons, the people that touch our lives and the moments that are all just that: a moment in time, temporary and therefore nothing to worry about, just to embrace and enjoy.
I am very happy to see that I'm doing better than I thought I was...
And now to celebrate this wonderful moment...